Podcasts about prayer heavenly father

When we sin and feel the weight of it, most of us have one instinctive response: hide. We pull back from God, we feel the shame settle in, and we wonder if we have disappointed Him too deeply this time. But that instinct — as old as Adam and Eve reaching for fig leaves in the garden — is precisely what God's discipline is designed to interrupt. He does not let us drift without consequence because He is indifferent. He disciplines us because He is a good Father who loves us too much to leave us where we are. Hebrews 12:11 is honest about what discipline feels like in the moment — it is sorrowful, not joyful. There is no use pretending otherwise. But the verse does not stop there. It promises that for those who are trained by it, discipline yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. The discomfort is never the destination; it is the path back to fellowship with the Father, back to sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, back to the image of Christ being formed more fully in us. Our position before God never changes when we sin — we are still His, still covered by the righteousness of Christ, still loved with an unconditional and pursuing love that nothing can stop. But repentance matters, because sin hinders fellowship, and God wants us close. When the Father's correction comes, the wisest and most freeing response is not to run from it, but toward it — and toward Him. Today's Bible Verse "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." — Hebrews 12:11, NASB Ponder Today God disciplines those He loves — His correction is not a sign of rejection but of deep, committed love from a Father who refuses to let His children drift without consequence. Hiding from God when we sin only deepens the distance — repentance is not what earns us back His love, but it is what keeps our fellowship with Him open and unhindered. Discipline is uncomfortable by design — but it is always purposeful, working in us the peaceful fruit of righteousness that comfortable seasons cannot produce on their own. Our position before God never changes when we sin — we are still His children, still covered in Christ's righteousness — but sin can make our hearts grow callous and our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit grow dim. Conviction, repentance, and discipline are gifts, not punishments — they are evidence of a Father who loves us too much to leave us where we are and is actively conforming us into the image of His Son. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, when I sin, my first response is to hide because I feel like I have disappointed You. Help my heart to understand Your great love and mercy toward me — that Christ died so I could be called Your child, and nothing can change that or separate me from Your love. Because You are a good Father, You discipline Your children so we can grow and be transformed into more of Your likeness. When I stray and disobey, make me quick to repent and run to You rather than away from You. Help me receive not only Your great compassion but also Your correction, knowing that both flow from the same perfect love. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are few tests of genuine faith more revealing than the moment someone wrongs us — and we have to decide what to do with it. The instinct to hold on, to keep score, to wait for an apology before we extend any grace, runs deep in every human heart. And yet Jesus, in Luke 6, calls His followers to something that cuts directly against that instinct: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and be merciful — just as your Father is merciful. That is not a suggestion for the spiritually advanced. It is a command for every believer, rooted in the most foundational truth of the gospel: we did not deserve the mercy God extended to us, and yet He gave it extravagantly anyway. Because we have freely received, we are called to freely give. This does not mean ignoring harmful behavior or abandoning healthy boundaries — but it does mean that unforgiveness has no rightful home in the heart of someone who has stood before a holy God and received pardon. We are not God. We cannot stand in His place as Judge. What we can do — what His Spirit empowers us to do — is love, bless, pray, and pardon, even when every part of us would rather hold on. Mercy is at the heart of the gospel, and every opportunity to extend it is an invitation to look more like Jesus. Today's Bible Verse "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." — Luke 6:35-36, NASB Ponder Today The command to show mercy is not reserved for easy situations or repentant offenders — Jesus calls us to love, bless, and pray for those who have wronged us, regardless of whether they have said sorry. Holding unforgiveness does not put us in a position of power — it puts us in the place of God, which is a place we were never designed to occupy and cannot sustain. We have no grounds to withhold mercy from others when we ourselves have received it so extravagantly from a holy God whose standard none of us could meet apart from Christ. Showing mercy does not mean ignoring harmful behavior or abandoning healthy boundaries — it means refusing to let bitterness and unforgiveness take root in our hearts at the expense of our own spiritual health. Mercy is at the very heart of the gospel — every opportunity to extend it to someone who doesn't deserve it is a chance to reflect the character of a God who extended it to us first. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, I do not deserve Your mercy, yet You have been so extravagant with Your love for me. Help me reflect on the gift of Your forgiveness daily, so that I can extend that same grace to others — even those who have hurt me, misunderstood me, or spoken against me. When I am tempted to hold onto bitterness or speak words I will regret, set a guard over my mouth and cultivate in me the fruit of self-control by the power of Your Spirit. Help me walk peaceably, with gentleness and humility, as Your Word commands. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mother's Day is a beautiful celebration for many — and for others, it is one of the hardest days of the year. For those who have lost their mothers, who are struggling with the complicated weight of grief, infertility, or a strained relationship, the pink displays and laughing advertisements can feel like pressure applied directly to a wound. And even for moms who are present and thriving, the day can carry a quiet loneliness — the sense that what they pour out every single day goes largely unseen. Psalm 111:4 tells us that God is gracious and compassionate — and not only that, but He causes His wondrous works to be remembered. He doesn't move on after showing kindness. He makes sure it leaves a mark. That is the kind of grace we are invited to extend to the mothers in our lives — not just on one Sunday in May, but on all the ordinary, invisible, relentless days when no one is celebrating them and they are running on empty anyway. It doesn't require a grand gesture. It might look like showing up with flowers and a hug, no speech prepared. It might look like a text that simply says, you're doing better than you think. Grace says: I see you, and you don't have to earn my kindness. May we be people who have received that grace from God so deeply that we cannot help but pour it out on others. Interested in creating something new with us? Take Our Newsletter Survey! Today's Bible Verse "He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate." — Psalm 111:4 Ponder Today Mother's Day is not a universally joyful day — those who are grieving, struggling, or lonely deserve to be seen and held with tenderness, not overlooked in the celebration. God is gracious and compassionate by nature — and He causes His wondrous works to be remembered, which means the small acts of grace we extend to others leave a lasting mark. Most moms are carrying far more than anyone can see — the mental load, the guilt, the fear, the loneliness — and grace says "I see you" without waiting for them to ask for help. Showing up without being asked is one of the most powerful forms of grace we can offer — a simple, unannounced act of kindness can be remembered for years. God's grace is sufficient for every mom today — she does not have to be perfect, she does not have to have it all together, and she is already fully known and fully loved by Him. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the moms in our lives — both the ones who are thriving and the ones who are barely holding on. You see every load of laundry, every whispered prayer over a sleeping child, every sacrifice that goes unnoticed, and every fear that goes unspoken. Make us people who extend Your grace to these women — not only on Mother's Day, but on all the ordinary, exhausting days when no one is celebrating them. Give us the courage to show up, to speak life, and to carry their burdens with them. And for every mom reading this, Father, remind her right now that Your grace is enough for today. She doesn't have to be perfect. She is already Yours. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Watch the Devotion Based on John 14:15-21  You Need Help Deployments come, schedules shift constantly, uncertainty hangs in the air—who holds things together? Who carries the weight at home? Who steadies the children, manages the household, bears the worry? Military spouses do.  You live a life of quiet sacrifice. Of constant adjustment. Of strength that often goes unseen. You step in again and again to help your family endure and thrive under pressure. And that matters. It reflects something deeper. Because every act of patient love, every moment of selfless service, every quiet sacrifice—points to the greater help we all need. Even the strongest mother cannot carry everything. Even the most faithful spouse needs support. Because no matter how capable, how resilient, how determined—we all come back to the same truth: You and I, we need help.    And that's where Jesus' promise meets us all— single or married, mothers, fathers, children, war fighters, civilians. He promises help.   Before Jesus goes to the cross and rises from the dead and the ascends into heaven, he reminds his disciples, and us, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth . . . I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16-17a, 18). Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to all of us, to you. To remind you that your strength isn't what saves you. Christ is. To remind you that all of the guilt you carry for not doing enough, it isn't enough to save you, but Christ is. To remind you that peace isn't found when the bills are paid on time, the kids are well behaved, the yard is mowed and you found quiet time for yourself with a glass of wine and Netflix – peace is found in Christ, his forgiveness for you, his life for you, his resurrection for you. Peace is found in the truth that your eternal home is secure, no matter what a hot mess your house looks like today.  You – you and I – we need help, and Jesus gives it, by sending his Holy Spirit to you.   Prayer: Heavenly Father, in his incarnation your Son took on our human flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary. He submitted to his mother, honoring and obeying her, so fulfilling the commandment where we have not. On this Mother's Day, graciously accept our thanksgiving for our mothers, whom you have given to us. Teach us to honor them aright — loving, obeying and giving thanks for them. Strengthen all women with child and give them safe delivery. Comfort all women who long to have children but cannot, that they may find their consolation in you and your unfailing love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.     Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Pride is one of those sins that is almost impossible to see in ourselves — and that is precisely what makes it so dangerous. It doesn't announce itself. It doesn't feel like destruction in the making. It simply feels like confidence, like self-sufficiency, like the quiet conviction that we have things handled. And then, almost without warning, Proverbs 16:18 proves itself true again: pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. None of us is immune. The temptation to trust in our own abilities, to place ourselves at the center of our own story, to grasp for control that was never ours to hold — these are not struggles reserved for the obviously arrogant. They are the deeply human tendencies of every heart that has not been fully surrendered to God. The antidote is not self-improvement or trying harder to be humble. It is grace — the kind that only comes when we get low enough before God to admit that we cannot do this without Him. Jesus Himself, who had every reason to grasp for glory, emptied Himself and became a servant, humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross. That is the pattern we are invited to follow. Not because humility is easy, but because it is the only posture that keeps us close to the God who gives grace to the humble and resists the proud. Interested in creating something new with us!? Take Our Newsletter Survey! Today's Bible Verse "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." — Proverbs 16:18, ESV Ponder Today Pride rarely feels like pride from the inside — it often disguises itself as confidence or self-sufficiency, which is why regularly inviting God to search our hearts is so essential. The destruction that follows pride is not always dramatic — sometimes it is a slow drift away from God's best for us, a subtle straying from the path of righteousness and humility. Humility is not a personality trait we manufacture on our own — it is a gift from God, accessed through surrender, and sustained by His grace working in us day by day. Jesus, who had every reason to grasp for glory, chose the path of radical humility — His example is both our model and our motivation for laying down self-centeredness and pride. We all have blind spots, and pride is one of the most common — inviting trusted brothers and sisters in Christ to speak into our lives is one of the wisest safeguards against its subtle pull. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, I repent for my self-reliance and pride. I realize that I cannot walk through life without Your help and Your grace, and I confess how quickly I am tempted to trust in my own abilities rather than in You. I ask for Your beautiful gift of humility to penetrate my heart. I lay down my self-centeredness and selfishness, and by Your grace, clothe myself in the humility that comes only from You. Search my heart and reveal any blind spots where pride has taken root without my realizing it. May You be glorified in all that I say and do. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when you have said yes to God, shown up faithfully year after year, and still cannot see a single sign that any of it is making a difference? The Bible study you have taught for five years with no visible fruit. The prayers over your children that feel like they fall on distracted ears. The invitations extended week after week to an empty pew beside you. It is one of the quietest and most persistent struggles of the faithful life — the gap between our obedience and the outcomes we are longing to see. Noah never saw the full impact of his yes to God. He built the ark, endured the flood, and lived out his days without any knowledge that centuries later, his faithfulness would be woven into the very lineage of Jesus Christ. He simply did everything God commanded him — without hesitation, without visible results, without the benefit of hindsight we now have. And because of one ordinary man's faithful obedience, the entire trajectory of human history was altered. The same God who worked through Noah's quiet, unsung faithfulness is working through yours. Obedience is ours; outcomes belong to God. And He who calls us is faithful — He will surely do it. Bible Verse "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." — Genesis 6:22, NIV Ponder Today Obedience is ours; outcomes belong to God — our calling is to say yes and remain faithful, trusting that He is working in ways we cannot yet see. Noah had no idea that his faithfulness would one day be woven into the lineage of Jesus Christ — our everyday acts of obedience may carry a far greater eternal weight than we realize. The absence of visible fruit does not mean the absence of God's work — He is always working all things for His glory and our good, even when the results are hidden from our view. Faithfulness is not a single dramatic moment of surrender — it is the daily, quiet, unglamorous choice to trust God and follow His leading without hesitation. We are products of someone else's faithfulness — and someone in the future may be the product of ours. That is the extraordinary impact of ordinary obedience. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, when You ask us to do something, may we respond like Noah — without hesitation and in complete obedience. Grant us hearts committed to Your work and the trust to leave the outcomes in Your hands. May we search our hearts and ask what it is You are calling us to step out in faith and do for Your kingdom. Make us so attuned to the Holy Spirit that we say yes to Your leading, even when others don't understand. Like Noah, may we walk with You in righteousness, one faithful day at a time. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope April 17, 2026   Scripture: 1 Timothy 1   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come to you today rejoicing in your holy name.  You are such a good God.  It's so hard for us to conceive that the God who put the stars in the sky and put the planets into motion is the same God who loves us and has numbered the hairs on our heads.  We thank you so much for your love and care.  Open our minds and hearts as we approach your Word today.  Help us hear a word from you.  How we yearn to hear from you, Lord.  We need you.  Over and over again, we need you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We have been journeying through the letters of Paul chronologically.  We are starting our eleventh letter today; can you believe it?  I would love to hear about what you have been learning from these readings.  We have covered a lot of ground. Today's reading is 1 Timothy 1.  In this letter to Timothy, Paul gives instruction to his younger friend about how to lead the churches in Ephesus.  Paul intends to travel there soon but expects to be delayed and thus, writes this letter to encourage and guide Timothy. But this is not a private letter.  It was written to Timothy with the intention that these instructions be read aloud to the churches.  It's not a very long letter, but Paul addresses a number of topics in it, including doctrine and a warning against false teachers, public worship, guidelines for pastors and deacons, moral instruction, social responsibilities, and how to deal with material possessions.  This all would have been in reaction to struggles the churches were encountering.  Towards the end of this first chapter, Paul gives a mini testimony.  He speaks about being a blasphemer and a persecutor (v. 14) but Christ showed grace toward him.  From a worldly perspective, there wasn't much hope for him.  But no one is beyond the grace of God.  In fact, Paul says that Christ's grace was poured out abundantly, and overflowed, in his life.  And then, Paul makes some pretty strong, definitive statements.  He is responding to the deceptive and false teachers who were confusing the new believers. Read through verses 15-17 again... Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Paul makes it clear that the Gospel message is trustworthy, unlike the hollow claims of the false teachers. Christ came into the world to save sinners. Thus, the Gospel message is true AND universal.  Jesus came to save the whole world.  The Gospel is also personal. Paul speaks of his own experience of the Gospel.  He was a pretty bad sinner and Jesus even saved him.  Why did God show him this amazing mercy and grace?  To demonstrate his immense patience as an example to others who might believe in him.  Have you experienced the Gospel as trustworthy, universal, and personal?  Do you know it as TRUE?  Do you understand that Jesus' offer of salvation is for all nations, all tribes, all people? Finally, have you personally experienced Jesus as your savior?  Have you said YES to Jesus' offer of grace, repented of your sins, and decided to live a life following Jesus? If not, today can be your day!  Maybe you need to recommit your life to Jesus. You've wandered, you've walked away, or you've simply been going through the motions.  Today is the day to make a new commitment to Jesus Christ. Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

There are battles in life that are simply too big for us — the kind where we have exhausted every option, tried every solution, and still find ourselves standing at the edge of an impossible situation with nowhere to turn. In those moments, the helplessness is not a sign that something has gone wrong. It may be the very place where God shows up most powerfully. The Israelites knew that feeling. Trapped at the edge of the Red Sea with Pharaoh's army closing in behind them, there was no strategy left, no escape route, no human solution. And it was there — in the middle of the impossible — that God spoke one of the most breathtaking promises in all of Scripture: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Not passive resignation, but an active trust that releases the battle into the hands of the One who owns it completely. Whatever you are facing today — the diagnosis that is bigger than your resources, the fear that whispers you are alone, the situation that has no clear path forward — God has not forgotten you and He has not left you to figure it out on your own. He is your defender. He is your deliverer. And He is already at work in what you cannot yet see. Bible Verse "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." — Exodus 14:14 Ponder Today The battles that feel too big for us are often the very places where God shows up most powerfully — our helplessness is not a dead end, it is an invitation for Him to move. Being still is not the same as giving up — it is an active, trusting surrender that releases our grip on a battle we were never meant to carry alone. God doesn't simply offer to help us fight — He owns the battle entirely, and He doesn't need our strategy or strength, only our stillness and our trust. Fear will always try to convince us that we are alone in the fight, but God's Word tells us something different — He is our defender and our deliverer. When the enemy feels larger than our strength and the diagnosis feels bigger than our resources, that is precisely where God shows up — and often shows off. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, I bring You the battle I cannot win on my own — the situation that feels too big, the fear that is telling me I am alone in this fight. But Your Word tells me something different. You will fight for me. I don't have to force a solution or exhaust myself trying to control what I was never meant to carry. Teach me what it truly means to be still — not giving up, but trusting that You are already at work in what I cannot yet see. Thank You that I don't have to face this alone. You are my defender, my deliverer, and my God. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope April 13, 2026   Scripture: Colossians 2   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, On this Monday, we come to you today in awe.  You are almighty and wise but also filled with love and mercy.  And we have the pleasure of experiencing that love and mercy.  Despite our brokenness, you care for us and you continue to walk alongside us.  Thank you, Lord, for your patience.  Help us to focus more on you.  Fill us with a consuming desire to know you better.  Work in us.  Stretch us.  Challenge us.  Convict us.  We love you.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are journeying through Paul's letters and now we find ourselves in Paul's ninth letter, when we look at them chronologically.    Today's reading is Colossians 2.  Paul was very concerned that the people of the Colossian church would be swayed by fancy and smart-sounding arguments.  The arguments of false teachers often sound very convincing.  They typically take a small bit of truth and twist it so that it sounds just right enough that people will be convinced.  Paul knew this.  His goal was for them to grow in their knowledge of Christ, become mature, well-developed disciples, so they would see through the untruths.    If they were rooted in Christ, like a solid tree with deep roots, then they would be less apt to be affected by the winds of false teachings.  I love this idea of growing our roots deep into Jesus Christ.  If we look at plants, we tend to focus on that which we can see.  We see the trunk, the branches, and the leaves, and they maybe very beautiful.  But what's most important is what we can't see-the deep roots which are vital to the health and longevity of the tree.  If a bad storm comes, the tree will stay put because its roots are deep and strong.  Paul wanted the Colossian church to have a deep root system as well, one that was firmly based in Jesus Christ.  If they grew into strong, mature believers with strong roots, then they would be much less likely to be swayed by the fancy, sophisticated arguments of false teachers.   Historically, we haven't focused on having deep roots.  In fact, our discipleship in most American churches has been quite shallow.  We have required little of our members; we've asked them to simply warm a pew.  Where has that gotten us?  Being rooted in Jesus Christ means so much more than church attendance.  It means reading and knowing God's Word and abiding with Jesus through prayer and Scripture reading.  It means connecting with others for real accountability and listening to others who tell us hard truths about life and faith.  It means serving others with the love of Jesus.  It means giving sacrificially.  And when the strong winds blow, we are ready.  We stay solid and united in Jesus Christ, our roots strong and steady.   Let's convene again tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

What does your prayer life really sound like when the circumstances don't make sense and your heart is full of questions you're not sure you're allowed to ask? So many of us have learned to bring God only our polished prayers — the ones that sound faithful and composed — while quietly stuffing down the frustration, the confusion, and the honest cry of a heart that doesn't understand what He is doing. But what if God isn't looking for our composure? What if He is actually inviting us to bring Him all of it? Habakkuk didn't tiptoe around his grief or dress up his doubts in careful language. He brought his full, unfiltered self before God — questioning, pushing back, wrestling openly — and God didn't turn him away. He met him there. And though God never explained Himself or changed His plan, something profound shifted in Habakkuk through the wrestling. By the final verses of his book, this grieving prophet arrives at one of Scripture's most breathtaking declarations of trust: "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Not because his circumstances changed, but because his vision of God grew bigger than his circumstances. That is the invitation for us today — to bring our real selves before God, have our wrestle, and then choose to rejoice in the One who is always, always sovereign. Today's Bible Verse "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18, NIV Ponder Today God can handle our wrestling — He doesn't ask us to come to Him with polished prayers, but with honest hearts, just as Habakkuk did. Bringing our frustrations and questions to God is not a lack of faith; it is faith in action, trusting that He is big enough to hold our doubts. God didn't explain Himself to Habakkuk, yet through their exchange, Habakkuk's faith was deepened — sometimes the wrestling itself is the answer. Rejoicing in God is a choice, not a feeling — Habakkuk chose joy not because his circumstances improved, but because his trust in God's sovereignty grew stronger. God knows our every thought already; we have nothing to hide from Him, so we can cast our cares upon Him openly and without shame (1 Peter 5:7). Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who desires to hear from Your children — all of it, even the hard parts. Like Habakkuk, give us the strength to come before You boldly and honestly, without hiding our struggles or dressing up our doubts. When we don't understand Your ways, remind us that Your ways are higher than ours. May we choose to rejoice even when we don't like Your plan, and may our hearts ultimately rest in full trust and faith in You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Time is a vapor — here for a moment, then gone. And in the brevity of this life, there are still countless people who have never once heard the name of Jesus spoken as good news. That reality stirred something deep in Keneesha Saunders Liddie, and in this episode, she invites us to let it stir something in us too. The Great Commission was never meant to feel distant or reserved for the exceptionally called — it was given to all of us, right where we stand, with the people already in our lives. Think about the faces you see every week — your neighbor who waves from the driveway, the coworker who eats lunch alone, the family member who has never quite found their way to faith. Each of them is someone Jesus died for, and each of them deserves the chance to hear why. Keneesha also reminds us that for those God has called to go further — into remote, dangerous, and unreached places — our prayers and our generosity are not optional extras. They are our participation in the mission. Somewhere out there, someone will be the last person to hear the gospel and make a choice. Until that day, we are the hands and feet of Jesus. May we live — and speak — like we believe it. Today's Bible Verse "And he told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone.'" — Mark 16:15 Ponder Today The Great Commission starts close to home — personal evangelism with our neighbors, coworkers, and family members is just as vital to the kingdom as overseas missions. Not everyone is called to go, but every believer is called to something — whether that's going, giving generously, or praying faithfully for those on the mission field. People cannot choose Jesus if they have never heard about Him — we carry a responsibility to share the gospel so that every person has the opportunity to respond. Boldness in evangelism doesn't mean being pushy — it means asking God for wisdom and the right timing, then trusting Him to open the doors. We show the world we love them by caring about their eternal destiny — compassion for the lost is at the very heart of what it means to love God and love people. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the gospel — the greatest good news the world has ever known. Thank You for those who have answered the call to preach it in remote and dangerous places; protect them, provide for them, and keep their feet beautiful as they go. Help me give generously to support world missions, and remind me to pray faithfully for those on the front lines. And right where I am, use me as a mouthpiece for Your truth — to shine Your light and share Your good news boldly and lovingly. In Jesus' name, Amen.

When life takes an unexpected turn, it's easy to reach for the right words — God is in control, He has a plan — and mean them, while also feeling how thin they sound against the weight of real fear. In this episode, Rachel Wojo opens up about the season her husband lost his job, and the long, uncertain eight months that followed. She believed in God's character. She just couldn't see His plan. And that gap between what we know to be true and what we can actually feel is exactly where faith is forged. Proverbs 3:5-6 doesn't ask us to trust God's plan — it asks us to trust God Himself. That distinction matters deeply when the circumstances in front of us make no sense and our own understanding is sounding every alarm. Rachel reminds us that the most significant things God does in a waiting season often aren't visible in our bank accounts or our calendars — they happen quietly inside us, deepening our faith in ways that comfortable seasons simply cannot. If you find yourself in a season where you can't see what God is doing, this episode is a gentle, honest reminder that His character has not changed. He is still faithful. He has never failed. Today's Bible Verse "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5-6 Ponder Today There is a crucial difference between trusting God's plan and trusting God's character — His character remains constant even in seasons when His plan is completely hidden from view. The words we know to be true about God can feel thin in hard seasons — and that's okay. Faith isn't the absence of struggle; it's choosing to trust Him in the middle of it. Waiting seasons are not wasted seasons — God does some of His deepest work in us during the months when nothing seems to be happening on the outside. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, I'll be honest — I can't see what You're doing right now. My circumstances look more like a problem than a plan, and my logic keeps trying to take over. But I know You're not asking me to understand; You're asking me to trust. So today I choose to lean on Your character instead of my confusion. You are faithful, You are good, and You have never failed. Make my paths straight, Lord, even when the road ahead is hidden. Do the deep work in me that only waiting can produce. I trust in You — the One who never fails. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Stone, Roll Away; Clarity, Come Forth! "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord's people" 1 Corinthians 14:33 Let every veil of confusion be lifted in the name of Jesus. Amen. There is clarity through Christ Jesus; in any confusion, I encourage you to seek Him. He is the author of clarity. Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it." So, be still, and know that there is God (Psalm 46:10). There is clarity in His presence and light in His Word. When you don't know what to do: • Ask in faith, without doubting (James 1:6). • Be still long enough to listen (Psalm 46:10). • Submit your plans to God (Proverbs 16:3). • Seek counsel that aligns with Scripture (Proverbs 15:22). • Walk in obedience to the last instruction you received. Philippians 4:6-7 says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Jesus is not merely the giver of clarity — He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). So, fix your gaze on Him, and the fog will be lifted. Allow His peace to become your compass and His Word, your map; Allow His Spirit to be your guide and His way to be your way. Keep your heart soft, your knees bent, and your eyes open. Where resignation says, “It is what it is,” faith declares, “It will be what He says.” As Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” And when doubts return — as they sometimes will — return faster to Him. Speak His promises aloud. Recall His faithfulness behind you and expect His goodness before you. The stone has been rolled away; you are not trapped. Rise, beloved. Walk out into the light of His presence. Let His peace chart your course, His Word confirm your steps, His Spirit empower your obedience, and His way become your way — until clarity is no longer a destination, but the atmosphere in which you live. Amen. Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Amen. Prayer:Heavenly Father, thank You for rolling away the stone of confusion in my life, marital life, business, Ministries, and career. Lord, I lay every tangled thought before You. Roll away the stone of confusion. Fill me with Your wisdom from above — pure, peaceable, gentle, full of mercy and good fruit (James 3:17). Order my steps, align my heart, and make my path straight. I choose to trust You with all my heart. Thank You for hearing my prayer, and thank You for the clarity that is on the airwaves. In Jesus name. Amen.https://maglife.org

I remember reading in grade school that the human appendix is a useless organ. My textbook said that scientists thought that the appendix was once used to help digest the tree bark that our supposed ape-like ancestors ate. Does the human body have "extra" parts? Do we have organs that we no longer use because we have evolved away from needing them?Atheists have argued that our "useless" organs prove that we weren't created. No Creator, they said, would make useless organs that can threaten our health. Creationists responded that since our knowledge of the human body is incomplete, we cannot say that an organ is useless simply because we are ignorant of its job.In the 1890s, scientists said that the human body has about 180 organs that are useless leftovers of our past evolution. As a result, doctors used to be quick to remove a child's tonsils. Today, we know that our tonsils have several jobs and are an important part of our immune system. Our appendix has been found to serve as a backup for other organs. If your spleen is damaged, your appendix will take over some of its functions. Wisdom teeth are important in chewing food, especially when the diet includes more coarse materials.The argument over whether we have extra parts left over from evolution has been completely won by creationists. Today, science recognizes that we have no useless leftovers from evolution.1 Peter 2:15-16“For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know all things, and we know so little. Help me to realize my error when I imagine that I know things about which I am in fact ignorant. Through Your Word, enlighten me with truth. In Jesus' Name. Amen.REF.: Jerry Bergman, Ph.D. Vestigial Organs: A Brief Summary of the Latest Research.  To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

Daily Dose of Hope March 20, 2026   Scripture: Romans 12   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come to you today praising your holy name.  You are a good God!  Thank you for caring for us, for walking alongside us, but  most of all thank you for Jesus, who died our death, so that we can walk hand in hand with you.  Help us live like resurrection people in the way of Jesus.  We don't want to get stuck in our religion.  We want to live transformed lives in Jesus.  How we need you, Lord.  We are stubborn people.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through Paul's letters.  We are now in the book of Romans.  Don't forget to let me know what you are learning.  Offer feedback – let me know about your big takeaways.   Today, we read through Romans 12.  Just so you know, Romans 12 is some of my very favorite New Testament Scripture!  It is incredibly powerful.  Paul is saying that because of this amazing gift of salvation, those who receive it should be truly committed to God.  Christ-followers should dedicate their whole life in service to Jesus Christ, become living sacrifices.    This would have had significant meaning to Paul's audience, as the sacrificial system was still alive and well.  But unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, Christ-followers voluntarily offer their living bodies, every part of their existence, to the work of Jesus in the world.  They make Jesus not simply their savior but also their Lord.  Doing this is the kind of worship that God finds right and pleasing.  We might call this surrendering everything to King Jesus.   This clearly separates us from the surrounding culture.  Living for Jesus rather than ourselves or things of this world is unusual.  People notice.  Paul urges the Romans to not fit so well into their culture but experience life change as Jesus transforms their thinking.  Faith isn't just about the heart and emotions but also about the mind.  God wants to change our way of thinking so that we better reflect Jesus.  Do we fit into our culture?  Be honest with yourself.  Do your neighbors, coworkers, and other acquaintances know that you belong to Jesus?  Is your thinking more influenced by Scripture and the things of God or the national news, politics, and social media?  How easy it is to simply blend right into the culture around us. Paul's words to the Romans certainly ring true for us today.   Paul addresses several other concepts here too.  He talks about spiritual gifts.  Similar to the Corinthians, there is evidence the Romans also were arguing about which gifts were better.  Paul makes it clear that all the gifts are critical.  Plus, all believers belong to each other.  The church cannot function without everyone and their various gifts.  No one should be conceited – just keep in mind that by itself, your gift just isn't that great.   Finally, there is Paul's closing to the chapter.  I just love this.  He is talking about how to demonstrate love to other people.  If we all simply took this to heart, what a different place our community would be!  Paul emphasizes the Proverbs here, stating, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him;   if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."  Let's be real, the church hasn't been so good at this.  What would we as Jesus' church look like, what would we need to change, if we focused on not becoming overcome with evil but overcoming evil with good?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki            

A Prayer for Wisdom The days feel long, but the seasons are short. We never really know when a certain "last" will happen. In every changing season, God invites us to seek wisdom and embrace the shift. While that transition can sting, it also offers a beautiful opportunity. Instead of striving to remain the center of our children’s and grandchildren’s lives, we can intentionally point them to the One who should be. Reference: James 3: 13-18 Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me live a life that glorifies you before my family. Trying to be their all in all not only sets me up for failure and disappointment, but far more importantly such misguided efforts keep me from pointing them to. When I forget, because I will, and I'm feeling like I'm on the outside of their lives looking in, remind me of this greater goal. I want to live demonstrating to my family that you are my joy and my heart's desire. Despite how dear my loved ones are to me, you are the well that never runs dry. In Jesus' name we pray, amen LINKS: Order Everyday Prayers for Love Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer for Bread by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson God’s Word was never meant to be rushed through like a quick snack between tasks.In today's episode, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson reminds us of Jesus's encouragement Matthew 4:4 that we don’t live on physical food alone. Our souls need spiritual nourishment too. Just as our bodies need time to digest food, our hearts and minds need time to meditate on God’s Word so it can truly shape who we are.When we slow down, reflect, and carry Scripture with us throughout the day, God’s truth becomes more than words we read—it becomes life within us. Reference: Matthew 4:4 Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for all the times I've snacked on your word like it's just another part of the food pyramid instead of acknowledging that your words are life remind me that i'm not eating the bread of life as a service for you i'm reading it so i can know you better and love you more in Jesus name we pray amen LINKS: Order Everyday Prayers for Love Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope March 3, 2026   Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Provider, Sustainer, Thank you for being the God who creates, cares, loves, and saves.  All we have is from you.  As we talk about today's text, give us a fresh revelation; help us see your Word in a new way. Lord, thank you most of all for Jesus.  Thank you for his sacrifice.  Thank you for showing us a different way of doing life.  Help us actually live the way you taught us.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through the pastoral letters of Paul.  We are nearing the end of 2 Corinthians. Our reading today is 2 Corinthians 12. In this chapter, Paul continues his discussion on boasting but it takes a definite turn.   He tells the Corinthians to be careful not to lift up visions and revelations but instead to have the humility to share how God has showed up in difficult seasons, times of weakness.  Paul had quite a divine encounter on the road to Damascus during which he met Christ and he could boast about it.  It was an impressive story!  Sometimes, he choose to share his experience because it was such a powerful testimony  But he is telling the Corinthians to be careful here.  There are times when that is appropriate and there are times when it isn't.  Use discernment and be careful of motives in sharing divine experiences.  When he finishes with the "foolishness" boasting about his attributes (which you recall he did to make a point to his rivals), he quickly states that he will only boast in his weaknesses. Because in our weaknesses, God demonstrates his power. In our weaknesses and shortcomings, Jesus has room to do his work. We only think our earthly attributes make us strong. It is truly our weaknesses that make us strong because that's where God comes in and demonstrates his miraculous work.  Paul speaks of a thorn in his side.  He calls it a "messenger of Satan" sent to both harass him and keep him humble.  I've read all kinds of things that this thorn could have been.  It might have possibly been a physical illness, such as a chronic illness.  One scholar mentioned an eye issue, although I have no idea how he came up with that.  Other academics have suggested that Paul could have been dealing with a mental health issue, such as depression.  Considering all he had been through, this would certainly make sense.  Still others say that Paul was battling a spiritual attack.  Really, it could be any or all of these.  And we will never know.  Maybe that is better.  Because all of us deal with a thorn in our flesh too. We all have something we struggle with, something that reminds us of our weakness and humbles us.  Paul says in today's chapter that he pleaded to God for help.  You may have also pleaded to God to help you with your thorn.  Paul wants the Corinthians to know, and this is very helpful for us too, that God didn't ignore his pleas.  Rather, God told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Basically, God had given Paul all he needed to come out victorious in this situation.  When Paul was weak, God was strong.  So, stop whining, stand up and use the weapons and power I have provided to you! What are your weaknesses? Rather than lamenting about them, have you ever thought that Christ might use them for his glory? Take a moment and spend some time in prayer, submitting your weaknesses, really your whole life, to Jesus today. Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260302fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: Genesis 12:1-8 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. Genesis 12:7 God's Best Gift Is Yet to Come In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The candles are blown out. You can still smell the cake. You've opened your presents, and it feels like the best birthday ever. Then your parents say, “Wait! There's one more gift.” You can hardly sit still. This must be the best one! But then they say, “You can't open this gift until you grow up and have a family of your own.” What? That doesn't make sense! If it's your gift, why can't you enjoy it now? God once gave a special gift to a man named Abram. But Abram had to wait for it. In fact, he would never live there himself. God promised that Abram's children and grandchildren would receive a special land called the Promised Land. The Bible says it was “flowing with milk and honey.” That means it was a wonderful land with plenty of food and good things. But Abram did not have a home of his own. He moved from place to place in tents. If Abram would never live in that land, why did the promise matter? But Abram did not complain. He did not get angry. Instead, he worshiped God. Abram knew who God was. God was his loving Father. And God always keeps his promises. If God said it would happen, Abram believed it would happen. Abram trusted that God had an even bigger plan. One day, one of Abram's great-great-great-grandchildren would be Jesus, the Savior, who would take away the sins of the world. God has given you an amazing gift too. Because of Jesus, your sins are forgiven. That means you belong to God right now. And God has another gift waiting for you—heaven. Heaven is already yours, but you are waiting for the day you get to live there forever with Jesus. That is a gift worth thanking God for every day. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving my sins because of Jesus. Thank you for keeping your promises. Help me trust you when I have to wait for good things. Thank you for the gift of heaven where I will live by your side forever. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children What gift did God promise to Abram and his descendants? How did Abram show that he trusted God? Questions for Elementary Age Children Why is waiting sometimes hard for you? How could Abram trust God, even though he wouldn't live long enough to receive the promised gift? Questions for Middle School and Above Name at least two gifts God has blessed your life with this week? How can you thank God for these amazing gifts? Download Family Devotions Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260209fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: Exodus 19:1-8a “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Exodus 19:5-6 My Favorite Thing In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Let's pretend for a moment. A loud bell rings and you have to leave your house right away. You can only grab one or two things. What would you take? Maybe it's a favorite stuffed animal, a blanket, a book, or a toy you've loved for a long time. Those things are special to you—even if they don't seem special to anyone else. We call those things treasures. In today's Bible verses, God is talking to the people of Israel. He had already rescued them from slavery in Egypt and helped them cross the Red Sea. But the people were not perfect. They complained. They worried. They made mistakes. So why did God call them his “treasured possession” and his favorite people? It wasn't because they were so good. It was because of who God is. God chose them because he loved them! He is a God of love. The Israelites did nothing to deserve his love. They were sinners who needed forgiveness and grace. He promised that one day a Savior would come from them. God chose them to be his special people. They were a holy nation, not because they were perfect, but because Jesus, the coming Savior, would be perfect for them. God blessed them and led them to the Promised Land. Here's the really good news: You are also God's treasured possession! That means you are very special to him. Sometimes you might feel left out or not good enough. Sometimes you might feel sad about something you did wrong that makes you feel unlovable. But God says, “You are my child. You are my treasure.” You are God's favorite—not because you earned it, but because he loves you! He will always be with you here on earth and someday will bring you to live with him in heaven. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for rescuing me from the slavery of sin and always staying with me. Help me remember that I am your treasure. Lead me to share this good news with others. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children What is one thing you would grab if you had to leave your house quickly? Why is it special to you? How does it make you feel to hear that God calls you his treasure? Questions for Elementary Age Children The Israelites complained and made mistakes. Why do you think God still loved them? When you feel left out, sad, or not special, what can you remember about God's love for you? Questions for Middle School and Above God loves us because of who he is, not because of what we do. What does that tell us about how kind and forgiving God is (his grace)? If you are God's treasure, how does that change the way you see yourself? How does that help how you treat other people like they are treasures too? Download Family Devotions Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260207dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:36-37 Praying with Purpose If you are like me, there is a good chance that at some time in your life, you prayed for millions of dollars. Especially when I was a child, I had a long list of things that I would do with those million dollars. Of course, I would give some of it to church, but the main point of asking was to get something for myself. Maybe things change when you grow up a little. Perhaps you no longer say as many self-centered prayers. Yet, because we are sinful human beings, our prayers can still be tainted with improper motivation: selfishness, greed, and pride. When Elijah prayed, he prayed with a purpose that displayed Godly motivation. When he confronted the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, he wasn’t there to bring glory to himself. He didn’t pray ‘Lord, if this doesn’t work, I’m really going to look stupid!’ Elijah had but one reason for asking God to consume the altar he had built with fire: “…so these people will know that you, “LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” When we pray for ministries, job opportunities, and any blessing from God, we may be tempted to pray with all kinds of selfish motives. But remember that what matters in this world is not so much WHAT we accomplish, but FOR WHOM we accomplish it. Like Elijah, we too can pray with this one purpose in mind: that people may know that the Lord is God. Then, however God chooses to answer our prayers, we will continue to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. Prayer: Heavenly Father, move my heart to utter prayers that are pleasing in your sight. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260207dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:36-37 Praying with Purpose If you are like me, there is a good chance that at some time in your life, you prayed for millions of dollars. Especially when I was a child, I had a long list of things that I would do with those million dollars. Of course, I would give some of it to church, but the main point of asking was to get something for myself. Maybe things change when you grow up a little. Perhaps you no longer say as many self-centered prayers. Yet, because we are sinful human beings, our prayers can still be tainted with improper motivation: selfishness, greed, and pride. When Elijah prayed, he prayed with a purpose that displayed Godly motivation. When he confronted the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, he wasn’t there to bring glory to himself. He didn’t pray ‘Lord, if this doesn’t work, I’m really going to look stupid!’ Elijah had but one reason for asking God to consume the altar he had built with fire: “…so these people will know that you, “LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” When we pray for ministries, job opportunities, and any blessing from God, we may be tempted to pray with all kinds of selfish motives. But remember that what matters in this world is not so much WHAT we accomplish, but FOR WHOM we accomplish it. Like Elijah, we too can pray with this one purpose in mind: that people may know that the Lord is God. Then, however God chooses to answer our prayers, we will continue to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. Prayer: Heavenly Father, move my heart to utter prayers that are pleasing in your sight. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260207dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:36-37 Praying with Purpose If you are like me, there is a good chance that at some time in your life, you prayed for millions of dollars. Especially when I was a child, I had a long list of things that I would do with those million dollars. Of course, I would give some of it to church, but the main point of asking was to get something for myself. Maybe things change when you grow up a little. Perhaps you no longer say as many self-centered prayers. Yet, because we are sinful human beings, our prayers can still be tainted with improper motivation: selfishness, greed, and pride. When Elijah prayed, he prayed with a purpose that displayed Godly motivation. When he confronted the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, he wasn’t there to bring glory to himself. He didn’t pray ‘Lord, if this doesn’t work, I’m really going to look stupid!’ Elijah had but one reason for asking God to consume the altar he had built with fire: “…so these people will know that you, “LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” When we pray for ministries, job opportunities, and any blessing from God, we may be tempted to pray with all kinds of selfish motives. But remember that what matters in this world is not so much WHAT we accomplish, but FOR WHOM we accomplish it. Like Elijah, we too can pray with this one purpose in mind: that people may know that the Lord is God. Then, however God chooses to answer our prayers, we will continue to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. Prayer: Heavenly Father, move my heart to utter prayers that are pleasing in your sight. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Prayer for the Courage to Follow God's Leading by April Graney What does it look like to obey God when the path ahead is unclear? In this episode, we reflect on Abraham’s faith-filled obedience and connect it to a modern-day story of trusting God’s leading—even when it doesn’t make sense at first. Through a personal testimony of a daughter and son-in-law stepping into missionary work in Guatemala, we are reminded that obedience often requires courage, surrender, and trust. God’s call may not come with all the details, but His presence always goes with us. Reference: Hebrews 11:8 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for the courage to listen for your voice and to obey the callings that you place on our lives. May we also support and encourage that calling in our children’s lives. We release our children into your loving hands, and pray your blessing upon them and those they touch with your love and grace. Amen. LINKS: 5 Habits of a Praying Mom Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer for Household Harmony by Danika Cooley A home grounded in God’s Word becomes a place where peace can grow. Even when emotions run high or relationships feel strained, Jesus remains the steady rhythm that holds everything together.In today's episode, we look at Romans 15 and it reminds us that Scripture was written to instruct, encourage, and help us endure. God Himself is the source of harmony, and when our lives align with the teachings of Jesus, our voices—though different—can glorify Him together. Reference: Romans 15:5-6 Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the endurance and encouragement you offer us in your Word. As we walk with you, please help our home to be a house of peace because we know you and we know your Word. I ask that you equip us to live in harmony with each other. Help our family glorify Jesus both at home and in public. Let our testimony as Christ-followers be tangible to all who meet us. LINKS: 5 Habits of a Praying Mom Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope January 13, 2026   Scripture: I Thessalonians 1   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come before you today with a sense of gratefulness.  You are a God who loves us despite all our faults.  You provide for us despite our selfishness.  You answer our prayers despite our impatience.  Lord, we are so thankful and rejoice in your Holy and perfect name.  Forgive us for the times in which we fall short and we know they are many.  Lord Jesus, how we want to do better.  Help us see others through your eyes.  We so need you.  More of you and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently on a journey through the letters of Paul, working through them in chronological order.  We just completed Paul's letter to the Galatians yesterday and today, we begin I Thessalonians.   Let's talk a little bit about Paul's letter to the church at Thessalonica.  There are some scholars who actually think this letter may have predated Galatians, but the general consensus is that Galatians was written in 49-50 and I Thessalonians was written around 50-51.  They were certainly close together, but the letters are very different.  While Galatians is critical in nature (in response to false teachers who were trying to corrupt the Gospel), I Thessalonians is an encouraging letter in which Paul teaches about living Godly lives during difficult persecution.  I Thessalonians was also written during Paul's second missionary journey.   We get the backstory of this letter in Acts 17.  Paul and Silas have gone to Thessalonica, preach the Gospel, and pretty quickly there is a strong Christian community there.  But the Christians there are accused of defying the emperor by saying they believe in another king, Jesus (refer to Acts 17:7).  Paul and Silas end up leaving the city because of the ruckus.  In this first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul is trying to reconnect.  He's heard from Timothy that the Thessalonian church is doing well, despite the continued persecution.  The letter is actually from Paul, Silas, and Timothy, as they are together in Corinth and have this urge to keep the Thessalonians encouraged.    Let's look at the letter itself in chapter 1.  It was normal in an ancient letter to include some kind of prayer for the recipient after the greeting. The authors state that they continually thank God for all the people in the church, and that they remember them before God because of their work produced through faith and love and their endurance inspired by hope in Jesus.   I am most intrigued by the line "endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."  Endurance is the ability to keep going, to persevere, in the face of difficulty and suffering. We don't know exactly what kind of persecution the Thessalonian Christians were facing but it must have been pretty bad. And Paul was worried about them. They were new believers-how would they withstand these hardships? Would their faith crumble or strengthen? Apparently, they remained strong and steadfast, despite their limited experience in the faith.   This idea of endurance through hardship becomes a virtue in the early church. Here is the important part: their endurance was not a result of some kind of internal emotional strength or resolve but was a result of their hope in Jesus. Their hope was rooted in the second coming of Jesus, which will become a theme throughout this letter.   Think about your own life. How would you rate your endurance in the face of hardship? While we don't face the same kind of persecution as the Thessalonian church, we still deal with other challenges. How is your faith grounded in the hope of Christ?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

A Prayer for Peaceful Sleep by Paige Collins Few things unsettle a mother’s heart like a child waking in the night, frightened and inconsolable.In this episode by Paige Collins, we talk honestly about that ache, the helplessness we feel in the dark hours, and the responsibility we carry as mothers who long to protect our children.Psalm 4:8 reminds us of a powerful truth: our children’s safety does not rest on our vigilance, worry, or late-night searching for answers. It rests in God alone. While we take practical steps to care for our children, we are also invited to stand in spiritual authority—anchoring our parenting in prayer and God’s promises. Reference: Psalm 4:8 Prayer: Heavenly Father, as a mother covered by Your grace, I boldly declare Your promise of Psalm 4:8 over my child tonight, that my child will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone make him dwell in safety. I ask you to guard my child’s mind and spirit against nightmares, night terrors, and every harmful influence, and replace his/her fears and worries, with your perfect peace and supernatural comfort. In Jesus’ name, amen. LINKS: 5 Habits of a Praying Mom Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope January 5, 2026   Scripture:  Galatians 1   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come before you at the beginning of a new year, a new week, and even a new reading plan, and we thank you for all you've done for us.  You are such a good God.  You are a God who provides, protects, cares, loves, saves, sustains, guides, and directs our paths.  As we head into all these "new" things, Lord, we pray that you will lead us also into a new sense of understanding about who you are.  Help us grow, learn, and be open to thinking about our walk with you in new ways.  Challenge us, Lord.  Stretch us.  Get us out of our comfort zone.  All for your glory.  We want to be stronger disciples.  We want to know you better and be bold in our witness.  It's in your name we pray, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  Today, we are starting our new reading plan, a journey through the letters of Paul.  We will walk through all thirteen of Paul's letters, going in chronological order.  My prayer is that this new reading plan will be a blessing to you and you will learn and grow in your walk with Jesus.   According to the book of Acts, Paul went on three missionary journeys.  (Some scholars think he may have taken a fourth to Spain but we don't have a lot of evidence for that.)  What we do know from Scripture is that during those three extensive journeys, Paul established churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), in Macedonia, and Greece.  We also know from the end of Acts that Paul went to Rome to stand before Caesar, and there was a church already established there when he arrived.  Apparently, believers from other other places had already established a Christian community.    But all of these churches were young and had their struggles.  Paul sent pastoral letters to many of the churches in response to specific needs or concerns.  He often gave encouragement but he also gave strong criticism and warning as needed.  Some of Paul's letters helped these congregations work through doctrinal issues, while others address more practical concerns.  These letters were hand-delivered to the churches and read aloud to the congregation.  So, as we read these, keep in mind they were intended to be read to a group of believers.  Sometimes individuals are mentioned but the group as a whole is the audience.  The letter would then be passed along to other churches in the region.    The first letter Paul wrote was to the churches in Galatia, what we call the book of Galatians.  The region of Galatia was in central Asia Minor and included several cities to which Paul evangelized during his first missionary journey, including Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. Most scholars believer that Paul penned this letter around AD 48 or 49.   What was going on with the Galatians?  Why was the letter necessary?    Since Paul had established the various congregations in Galatia, the churches had been plagued by false teachers. These false teachers were Jewish Christians who fiercely rejected the Gospel that Paul preached, that people are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Rather, these Jewish Christians were saying that to be saved, people must also be circumcised and follow the whole law of Moses. Besides rejecting the Gospel, they also attacked Paul's credibility. Throughout the letter, we will see Paul continually going back to these two themes-his credibility and apostleship AND the gift of grace offered by the Good News of Jesus.    In this first chapter, Paul is clear that anything less than the true Gospel is not the Gospel at all. Those who teach that something other than faith is needed for salvation are twisting the Good News and Paul expresses shock that the Galatians would be so quick to believe this false teaching.  He tells them that the Gospel he teaches is not from humans but from the risen Lord himself.  He provides support to this by sharing his own conversion story from strict Judaism to belief in Jesus Christ and what God had affirmed to him through this miracle.    Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone is the core teaching of our faith. Are there times in which we try to twist this doctrine? Do we add or subtract from it?  How often have we been around "good churchgoing people" who think that salvation comes from simply being a good person?  Or, people think that in order to receive salvation, they need Jesus and good works?  It can be subtle.  We have to really dig deep here.  What do you believe about salvation?  Do you, deep down, believe that you are saved by Jesus Christ ALONE – by his saving work on the cross and nothing else?  Or, have you tried to add or subtract from this?   Take some time today and really pray on this.  It's crucial, my friends.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope December 26, 2025   Scripture – Acts 25   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you are almighty and all-powerful.  You are God of all and yet you care for us.  Thank you, Lord.  Help us settle our scattered thoughts and be silent before you...Thank you, Jesus.  Please guide us as we reflect on your Word today.  Meet us in the midst of our reading and this devotional.  In Your Name, Amen.    Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  I hope you had a great Christmas day yesterday!  We have been on a wonderful journey of reading and reflecting on Scripture over the last eight months, specifically the four Gospels and the book of Acts.  After today, we only have three more days in Acts.  We will take a brief break and then we will begin again on January 5, 2026, to walk through the letters of Paul in chronological order.  I hope you will join us for that as well.   Today, we are working through Acts 25.  Paul's on-going custody and trial continues in this chapter. Felix was recalled to Rome to handle some other events. The man who followed him died after just two years and now we find ourselves introduced to the new governor, Festus. So this means that Paul has been in custody for over two years!   Festus quickly demonstrates that, while he will listen to the Jewish leaders' accusations against Paul, he will not be bullied by them. He appears to want to give Paul a fair hearing once again. Now, the Jews were accusing Paul of both religious and civil offenses. Even if he were not innocent, this raises red flags among the Roman authorities. So Paul uses last card, an appeal to Caesar himself, which was his right to do as a Roman citizen. This also means the Gospel message will now move further up the government ladder. God is at work here.  Think of all the people along this journey that are being exposed to the Gospel message – people at every level of government and society.   I do want to point out Paul's faith here.  He is unwavering.  He knows what going back to Jerusalem would mean and he stands firmly against it.  While we don't have specific Scripture to demonstrate this, we can assume that Paul feels God leading him to go to Caesar.  Paul didn't do anything without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  We can safely assume that he is praying, listening, and obeying. AND trusting!   What do you learn from Paul's example here?  If you were being accused of an injustice, how would you handle the situation?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

There are moments in life when the world around us seems bright and festive, yet our own hearts feel dimly lit. That contrast can sting—especially during the holiday season, when expectations of joy are high and reality often feels far from picture-perfect. Rachel Wojo, host of Untangling Prayer, shares a powerful story of encountering Emmanuel in one of the loneliest places imaginable: a hospital waiting room at 3 AM. Instead of twinkling lights, she faced fluorescent glare. Instead of joyful noise, she faced the anxious hum of machines and rushed footsteps. And yet—it was there she felt the weight of Jesus’ name in a new way. God with us didn’t begin—and doesn’t end—in a Bethlehem stable. Emmanuel is God with us in the places we never wanted to be. God with us when fear tightens our chest. God with us when plans unravel. God with us when holiday expectations crash into painful realities. The incarnation isn’t just a Christmas story; it is the eternal declaration that God stepped into our humanity so we would never face anything alone. In every waiting room, every heartbreak, every sleepless night, every holiday that feels heavy—He is still Emmanuel. God with us. God with you. Right now. Bible Reading:“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). — Matthew 1:23 Main Takeaways Emmanuel means God with us in every circumstance—not just the joyful ones. Jesus came to enter real human pain, fear, and loneliness. God’s presence fills the moments that feel the most empty. The name “Emmanuel” is God’s unbreakable promise: You are not alone. We can praise God for being present even when our circumstances remain difficult. Today’s Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for Emmanuel, for choosing to come close instead of loving us from a distance. Thank You that when You saw our sorrow, You didn’t just send comfort—you came Yourself. I praise You for being God with us in every moment: the joyful, the ordinary, and the deeply painful. Thank You that Your presence does not depend on my circumstances. You are Emmanuel in the waiting rooms, in the fear, in the grief, and in the seasons that don’t look anything like I hoped. When loneliness whispers that I am alone, remind me that Your very name declares otherwise. Thank You that I never face a single moment without You. Be Emmanuel to my heart today—God with me, right here, right now. In Jesus’ name,Amen. Reflection Scriptures: Isaiah 7:14 John 1:14 Psalm 139:7–10 Hebrews 13:5 Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer wherever you get your podcasts Listen to Rachel's podcast: Untangling Prayer Share this devotion with a friend who is hurting this holiday season Explore related content on Crosswalk.com & Christianity.com: “What Does Emmanuel Really Mean?” “Finding God’s Presence in Suffering” “5 Places God Meets You in Seasons of Loneliness" Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope December 2, 2025   Scripture - Acts 9:1-31   Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help us start this devotional today with a time of silence, a time to pause before you...Lord, hear our prayers.  Speak to us.  We want to hear from you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently walking through the book of Acts.  Today, we start Acts 9.   This is a great passage - Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus.  It's amazing how God took the biggest persecutor of believers and very intentionally chooses him to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles.  His conversion story is dramatic, and it really needs to be.  He doesn't strike me as the kind of person who would take hints from God.  He needs something that cannot be disputed, like the living Christ meeting him on his Damascus journey and speaking directly to him.  Then, he loses his sight, only to regain it when Ananias prays for him.  It's quite extraordinary.   Most of us are pretty familiar with Saul's conversion story but today, I'd like to focus on Ananias of Damascus.  He is the man in the shadows.  Keep in mind, there are several men named Ananias in the New Testament; we are focusing on the man in Damascus who prayed over Saul who became Paul.  What we read in Acts 9 is that God appears to Ananias in a vision and tells him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street where he will meet Saul of Tarsus.  Ananias knew of Saul's reputation and he knew that Saul was in Damascus to arrest believers of Jesus so he protested a bit.  God tells him to go to the house anyway.   Despite being fearful, Ananias obeys.  I'm going to say that again.  Despite knowing that Saul could potentially arrest him, Ananias obeys God.  He goes to the house and prays over Saul.  Almost immediately, something like scales fall from Saul's eyes and he can see again.   We don't know much about what happens to faithful Ananias of Damascus after this incident.  The author of Acts doesn't give us a lot of information – does he go on to preach the Gospel in his community and beyond?  Does he found churches?  Does he end up getting arrested for preaching Jesus? Really, we have no idea.  What we do know is that Ananias of Damascus obeyed God's command to go pray over Saul so that Saul could go do all of those things.  Without Ananias' prayer, Saul might have spent the rest of his life as a blind man wandering around, not knowing what his life might have been.   Not everyone can be Saul/Paul, but we can all be Ananias.  We can all be obedient.  We can all pray for those who have harmed the church and those who have been harmed by the church.  We can do what God is asking us.  We don't have to found world-altering movements but we do need to do what Jesus asks us to do right now, right here. What is Jesus asking you to do?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

A Prayer to Let Your Light Shine by Katie J. Trent Christmas lights have long symbolized joy, celebration, and warmth. But beyond the twinkle and sparkle, they also point us to a deeper truth: we are called to shine the light of Jesus in our everyday lives.In today's episode, Katie Trent reminds us to shine the light of Jesus in the world through our kindness, generosity, compassion, & love! Reference: Matthew 5:14-16 Prayer: Heavenly Father, show me how to let the light of Jesus shine through me and my children to bless those around us each day. Teach us to be sensitive to the needs of others and always willing to reach out and tangibly share Your love. Help our family to light up our world with Your hope, peace, joy, and love this holiday season. Amen. LINKS: How to Pray God's Word For Your Children Guide Connect with Katie Trent Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The following is AI-generated approximation of the transcript from the Equipping Hour session. If you have questions you would like to be addressed in followup sessions, please direct those to Jacob. Opening & Introduction Smedly Yates: All right, this morning’s equipping hour will be about artificial intelligence—hopefully an attempt to introduce this topic, help us think through it carefully, well, biblically. Let me just open our time in prayer. [Prayer] Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your kindness to us. Thank you for giving us all that we need for life and godliness, for not leaving your people adrift. Thank you for putting us into this world exactly in the era that you have. We pray to be effective, fruitful, in all those things which matter for eternity in this world, in this time, in this age. God, we pray for wisdom, that you would guide our discussion here. We pray that this would be of benefit and a help to Grace Bible Church. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen. Here’s the layout for this morning and for a future equipping hour. We’ll be talking for about 35 minutes, back and forth—Jake and I—and then at 9:35, the plan is to go to Q&A. So, this is an opportunity for you to ask questions. At that point, I’ll surrender my microphone and you guys can rove and find people. For the next 33 minutes or so, you can be thinking about the questions you’d like to ask. Jake’s going to do most of the talking in our time here. I’m going to set him up with some questions, but just by way of intro, I want to get some things out of the way as we’re talking about artificial intelligence. You might be terrified, you might be hopeful. I want to get the scary stuff out of the way first and tell you what we’re not going to talk about this morning. Is that fair? Artificial intelligence is here. Some of you are required to use it in the workplace. Some of you are prohibited from using it in your workspaces. There’s nothing you and I can do to keep it from being here. Some of the dangers, some of the things you might be wondering about, some of the things that make the news headlines—over the last two weeks, scanning the headlines, there was a new AI headline every day. One of the terrible things that we won’t talk about today is the fact that nobody knows what’s true anymore, right? How can we discern? But the reality is the god of this world has been Satan for the entirety of human history and he’s a deceiver from the beginning. There’s nothing new about lies. They might be easier and more convincing with certain technological advances. The lies might be more ubiquitous, but the same humanity and the same satanology are at play. We may be concerned about societal fracture and distrust. Some people, if they distrust new tech, will withdraw from society. Others will fully embrace it. And so you get a fracture in society—those with, and those without tech. Some people will just say, “If the digital world works, we’re going to use it.” That’s not the Christian perspective. We’re not simply pragmatists. We do care about what’s true and what’s right. Some are worried about AI chatbot companions that will mark the extinction of relationships, marriage, society. I probably fall into the category of those who assume that AI will mean the end of music or the death of music and other art forms. That’s just me, a confession. People run to end-of-the-world scenarios—the robots decide they don’t need us anymore or the collective conscience of AI decides that humanity is a pollutant on Mother Earth, and the only way to keep the earth going is to rid itself of humanity. The survival of the planet is dependent on our own extinction. So AI will bring about a mass human genocide and the end of homo sapiens on earth. We know that’s not true, right? We know how the world ends, and it doesn’t end by an AI apocalypse. So don’t worry about that. Some people worry that AI will be a significant civilization destabilizer. That might be true. But we know that God is sovereign, and we know where society and civilization end up: at the feet of Jesus worshipping him when he rules on the earth for a thousand years leading into the eternal state. So don’t worry about that either. Some believe that AI is the antichrist. Now we know that’s not true. What is the number of the beast? 666. And this year it got rounded up to 67. So we know AI is not the antichrist. 67 is the antichrist. And if you want to know why the numbers six and seven got together in the year 2025 and formed the new word of the year, ask your middle schooler. Is that all the scary stuff? Not even close. I have a family member who has worked in military intelligence working on artificial intelligence stuff for a long time. He said it’s way scarier than you could possibly imagine. Do you want to say any more other scary scenarios we shouldn’t be thinking about? Jacob Hantla: No, we’ll probably cover some of those. Smedly Yates: Okay, great. What we want to focus on today is artificial intelligence as a tool. Just as an axe can be a tool for good or evil, AI is a tool that either has opportunities for betterment or opportunities for danger. So we want to think about that well. What you have on stage here are two of the shepherds at Grace Bible Church. You’ve got Jake Hantla, who is the guy I want exploring artificial intelligence and telling us how to use it well—he has and he does. And then you have me; I intend not to use artificial intelligence for now. We’re on opposite ends of a spectrum, but we share the same theology, same principles, same concerns, and I think the same inquisitive curiosity about technological advances. I drive a car; I’m not Amish in a horse and buggy. I like tech. But on this one, I’m just going to wait and see. I’m going to let Jake explore. From these two different poles, I hope we can be helpful this morning to help us all together think through artificial intelligence. What is AI? Smedly Yates: Let’s start with this, Jake. What is AI basically? Jacob Hantla: At the heart of it, most forms of AI are a tool to predict the next token. That might not mean much to you, but it’s basically a really fancy statistical prediction machine that accomplishes a lot of really powerful outcomes. It doesn’t have a mind, emotions, or consciousness, but it can really effectively mimic those things because it’s been trained on basically all that humanity has produced that’s available to it on the web and in other sources. I’ll try not to be super technical, but I want to pop up a picture. Can you go to slide one? When we think of AI, large language models are probably the one that most of you will think of: ChatGPT, Gemini, Grock, Claude, things like that. Effectively, what it does when we’re thinking of language—it can do other things, like images and driving cars and other things, but let’s think of words—it takes basically all that humanity has written and learns to predict the next token, or we could just think of the next word. So, all of you know, if I said, “Paris is a city in…” most of you would say France. Paris is a city in France. How do you know that? Everyone here has learned that fact. Large language models have gone through a process of training where they learn facts, concepts, and grammar, so that they can effectively speak like a human in words, sentences, and paragraphs that make sense. So how did it get to that? On the right, there’s just a probability that “France” is the most probable next word. How did it get there? Next slide. I’ll go fast. Basically, it’s a whole bunch of tunable weights—think of little knobs or statistical probabilities that interlink parameters. These things get randomized—there are trillions of them in the modern large language models. They’re just completely random, and then it starts feeding in text. Let’s say it was “It was the best of times, it was the…” and it might say “gopher” as the next word when you just randomly start, and that’s obviously wrong. The right word would be “worst.” So, over and over and over again, for something that would take one computer about a hundred million years to do what they do in the pre-training, they have lots of computers doing this over and over until it can adequately say, “Nope, it wasn’t gopher. It should be worst. Let’s take another crack at it.” It just manipulates these knobs until it can act like a human. If you fed it a mystery novel and at the end it would say, “The killer was…” it has to be able to understand everything before to adequately guess who the killer was, or “What is the capital of France?” It compresses tons and tons of knowledge from all of the written text. Then you start putting images in and it compresses knowledge from images and experience from life into a whole bunch of knobs—basically, numbers assigned so it can have an output that is reasonable. Next slide. You take people—pre-training is the process where you’re basically feeding text into it and it’s somehow learning. We don’t even know—humans are not choosing which knobs mean what. It’s a black box. We can sort of start to figure out which knobs might mean things like masculinity or number or verbs, but at the end, you just have a big bunch of numbers. Then humans come in and train it—reinforcement learning with human feedback. They say, “This is the kind of answers we want this tool to give.” At the outcome, people are saying, “We ask it a question, it outputs an answer, we say that’s a good one, that’s a bad one.” But in this, you can see there’s lots of opportunity for falsehood or biases—unstated or purposeful—to sneak in. If you feed in bad data into the training set, and if it’s trained on all of the internet—all that humans have made—you’re going to have a whole lot of truth in there, but also a whole lot of falsehood. It’s not learning to discern between those things; it’s learning all those things. In reinforcement learning with human feedback, we’re basically fine-tuning it, saying, “This is the kind of answer we want you to give,” and that’s going to depend on who teaches it. Then the final step is people judging the answers: “This is the kind of answer we want, this is the kind we don’t want.” Lots of opportunity for biases to sneak in. That was a long answer to “What is AI?” It’s a prediction machine with a whole lot of math going on. What Sets AI Apart from Other Technology? Smedly Yates: Jake, what sets AI apart from previous technological advances, especially as it relates to intention? Jacob Hantla: Tech could be as simple as writing, the wheel, the airplane, telephones, the internet—all those things. All of those, in some sense, enhanced human productivity, strength, our ability to communicate. We could pick up a phone and communicate over distance, use radio waves to communicate to more people, but it was fundamentally something that humans did—magnified. A tractor takes the human art, the human attempt to cultivate a field, and increases efficiency. AI can actually do that. A human in control of an AI can really augment the productivity and effectiveness of a human. You could read a book yourself to gain knowledge or have AI read a book, summarize it, and you get the knowledge. But AI can, for the first time, generate things that look human. It’s similar in some ways, but it’s very different in that it’s generative. AI and Truth Smedly Yates: Tell me about the relationship between AI and truth. You touched on it a little bit before. Jacob Hantla: AI contains a lot of truth. It’s been trained on even ultimate truth. AI has read the Bible more times than any of us ever could. To a large degree, it understands—as AI can understand—a lot of true things and can hold those truths simultaneously in ways that we can’t. But mixed in is a lot of untruth, and there’s no… AI can’t have the Holy Spirit. AI isn’t motivated the same way we are to know what’s true, to know what’s not. So, AI contains a lot of truth and can help you get to truth. You can give it a bunch of true documents and say, “Can you help me? Can you summarize the truth that’s in here? Or actually just summarize what’s in here?” If what’s in there was true, the output will be true; if what’s in there was false, it will output falsehood. It doesn’t have the ability or the desire to determine what is true and what’s not. AI, Emotion, Values, and Worldview Smedly Yates: So, ability and desire are interesting words. Let’s talk about emotion in AI, values in AI, worldview, and regulation of data. For us, true/false claims matter—or they don’t—depending on our worldview and values. Is there a mystery inside this black box of values, of emotion? How do we think about that? Jacob Hantla: First, AI doesn’t inherently have emotion or values, but it can mimic it based on the data it’s been trained on. You can ask the same AI a question and, unless you guide it, it will give you likely a hundred different answers if you ask the same question a hundred times. Unless it’s been steered in one direction, some answers will be good, some will be bad—everything in between. It’s generating a statistical probability. It doesn’t inherently have any of those things but can mimic them. It can be trained to have the values of the trainers. You can have system prompts where the system is prompted to respond in a way that mimics values, mimics emotions. The danger is if you just accept what it says as truth, which a lot of people will do. You say, “I want to know a piece of data,” and you ask the AI and the answer comes out, and you accept it. But you have to understand the AI is just generating a response based on probabilities. If you haven’t guided it to have a set of values, you don’t know what’s going to come out—and somebody may hide some values in it. Gemini actually did this. I think it was Gemini 2, but if you asked for a picture of the Founding Fathers, it would—because it was taught in the system prompt to prioritize diversity—give you images of a diverse group of females or different races, other than the races of the actual Founding Fathers, because it was taught to prioritize that. It had a hidden value in it. You can guide it to have the values you want with a prompt. It’s not guaranteed, but this is the kind of thing I would encourage you to do if you’re using these tools: put your own system prompt on it, tell it what worldview you want it to come from, what your aim is, and you’ll get a more helpful answer than not. Is AI Avoidable? Smedly Yates: Is AI something we can avoid, ignore, be blissfully ignorant about, put our heads in the sand? Jacob Hantla: You could, but I think it’s wise that we all think about it. I’m not encouraging people to adopt it in the same way that I have or Smed has. But the reality is, the world around us has changed. It’s irreversibly different because of the introduction of this technology. That’s what happens with any technology—you can’t go back. Technological advances are inevitable, stacked from scientific discovery and advances. If OpenAI wasn’t doing what it’s doing, somebody else would. You can’t go back. You can’t ignore it because the world is going to be different. You’re going to be influenced by both the presence of it and the output of it. When you get called on the phone now with a very believable voice, it might not be the person it sounds like—AI can mimic what it’s been trained on. There’s thousands of hours of Smed’s voice; it won’t be long before Smed could call you and it’s not Smed. Or Scott Demerest could send you an email asking for a credit card and it’s not Scott. News reports are generated by AI; some of them are true, effective, good summaries, and some could be intentionally spreading disinformation or straight-up falsehood. If you’re not aware of the presence of these things, you could be taken advantage of. Some work environments now require you to do more than you could have otherwise, and not being willing to look at the tools in some jobs will make you unable to compete. Commercially Available AI Products: Benefits and Dangers Smedly Yates: Let’s talk about the commercially available AI products that people can access as a tool. What are the opportunities, the benefits, and what are some of the dangers? Jacob Hantla: There are so many we couldn’t begin to go through all of them, but the ones most of you will interact with are large language models—people just say “ChatGPT” like Kleenex for tissues. It was the first one that came out and is probably the most ubiquitous, one of the easiest to use, and most powerful free ones. There’s ChatGPT by OpenAI, Gemini by Google, Claude by Anthropic, Grock by X.AI (Elon Musk’s), DeepSeek from China (good to know that’s made/controlled by China), Meta’s Llama, etc. Do the company names matter? Yes. It’s good to know who made it and what their goals are, because worldviews are to some degree baked into the model. If you’re ignorant of that, you’ll be more likely to be deceived or not use the tool to the maximum. But with all of these, these are large language models. I drive around now with AI driving my car—ultimately, it’s a similar basis, but that’s not our focus here. Large language models open up the availability of knowledge to us. They’re superpowered Google searches. You can upload a bunch of journal articles, ask it to train you to mastery on a topic. For example, I was trying to understand diastolic heart failure and aortic stenosis—uploaded articles, had a built-in tutor. The tutor asked me questions, evaluated my understanding, used the Socratic method to train me to mastery. This could do in 45 minutes what would have taken me much longer on my own. Every tool can do that. The bad side: you could have it summarize articles for you, and now feel like you have mastery you didn’t actually gain. You could generate an essay or pass a test using it, bypassing the entire process of learning and thinking. Students: if you have a tool that mimics human knowledge and creativity, and you have an assignment to write an essay, and you turn in what the tool generated as your own, you’re being dishonest and you bypass the learning process. The essay wasn’t the point—the process was. Passing a test is about assessing if you know things. If the AI does it for you, you bypass learning. I liken it to going to the gym. The point isn’t moving the weights, it’s building muscle. With education, the learning process is like exercise. It’s easy to have AI do the heavy lifting and think you did it, but you didn’t get stronger. So, be aware of what you’re losing and what you’re gaining. The tool itself isn’t morally good or bad; it’s how the human uses it. The more powerful the technology, the greater good or evil can be accomplished. The printing press could distribute Bibles, but also propaganda. Using AI with Worldview and Preferences Jacob Hantla: When I interact with AI on the Bible, I put a prompt: “When I ask about the Bible or theology, you will answer from a conservative, evangelical, Bible-believing perspective that uses a literal, grammatical-historical hermeneutic and a premillennial eschatology. Assume the 66-book Protestant canon is inspired, inerrant, infallible, completely trustworthy, without error in the original manuscripts, sufficient, and fully authoritative in all it affirms. No sources outside of the 66 books of this canon should be regarded as having these properties. Truth is objective, not relative; therefore, any claim that contradicts the Bible so understood is wrong.” I’m teaching it to adopt this worldview. If you don’t set your preferences, you might get any answer. The tool can learn your preference over time, but it’s better to set it explicitly. Audience Q&A Presuppositions and Biases in AI Audience (Nick O’Neal): What about the values and agenda behind those who input the data? What discernment do the programmers have to put that information in? Jacob Hantla: That goes to baked-in presuppositions or assumptions in the model. Pre-training is basically non-discerning: it’s huge chunks of everything ever written—good, bad, ugly, in between. It’s trained not on a set of values. Nobody programs values in directly; the people making it don’t even know what's being baked in. The fine-tuning comes when trainers judge outputs and reinforce certain responses. System prompts—unseen by users—further guide outputs, reflecting company worldviews. Companies like OpenAI are trying to have an open model so each person can let it adopt their own worldview, but there are still baked-in biases. For example, recent headlines showed some models valuing certain people groups differently, which reflects issues in training data or the trainers' worldview. You’re right to always ask about the underlying assumptions, which is why it would be foolish to just accept whatever comes out as truth. In areas like engineering, worldview matters less, but in many subjects, the biases matter. Is There an AI Bubble? Audience (Matthew Puit): When AI came out, the costs rose artificially by companies. Is the AI bubble going to pop? Jacob Hantla: I don’t know. I think AI will be one of the most transformational technologies. It’ll change things in ways we anticipate and in ways we don’t. Some people will make a lot of money, some will flop. If I knew for sure, I could make a lot of money in the stock market. AI-Generated Worship Music Audience (Rebecca): I see AI-generated worship music based on Psalms, but it’s generated by AI. Is anything lost in AI-generated worship music? Jacob Hantla: AI doesn’t have a soul or the Holy Spirit. It can generate worship music with good doctrine, but that doctrine didn’t come from a place of worship. AI can pray a prayer, but the words aren’t the result of a worshipful heart. You can worship God with those words, but you’re not following a human author who was worshipping God. For example, my kids used Suno (an AI music tool) to set a Bible verse to music for memorization—very helpful. Some might be uncomfortable with music unless it was created by a human; that’s a preference. Creativity is changing, and it will get hard to tell if music or video was made by a human or by AI. That distinction is getting harder to make every day. Setting Preferences in AI Tools Audience (Lee): You mentioned putting your preferences in. How do I do that, especially with free tools? Jacob Hantla: Paid AIs get more processing power, context window, and can use your preferences more consistently. Free versions have some ability—you can usually add preferences in the menu. But even if not, you can paste your preferences at the beginning of your question each time: define who you are, what you want, what worldview to answer from. For example: “I’m a Bible-believing Christian,” or “I’m a nurse anesthesiologist.” That helps the AI give a better answer. Parental Guidance and Children Using AI Smedly Yates: What should parents be aware of in helping their kids navigate AI? Jacob Hantla: Be aware of dangers and opportunities. Kids will likely use these tools, so set limits and help them navigate well. These tools can act like humans—kids without friends might use them as companions, and companies are adding companion avatars, some with sinful tendencies. That can be a danger. For school, a good use is as a tutor: after a quiz, have your child upload the results and ask, “Help me understand where I’m weak on this topic.” But also, be aware of the temptation to use AI to cheat or shortcut the process of learning, discovery, and thinking. Which AI Model? Will AI Become Self-Aware? Audience (Steve): Is there a model you recommend? And does the Bible preclude the possibility of AI becoming self-aware? Jacob Hantla: There’s benefits and drawbacks to all. For getting started, ChatGPT or Perplexity are easiest. Perplexity lets you limit sources to research or peer-reviewed articles and can web search for verification—good guardrails. I build in prompts like “verify all answers with at least two web sources, cite them, and state level of confidence.” On self-awareness: AI will never have the value of humans—they're not created in God’s image, they’re made in our image, copying human behavior. Will they gain some kind of self-awareness? Maybe, in the sense of mimicking humanness, but not true humanity. They won't have souls. They may start to fool more people as they get better, but Christians should use AI as a tool, not ascribe humanity or worship to it. AI Hallucinations Smedly Yates: Do you have an example of a hallucination? Jacob Hantla: Yes, Ben James was preparing for an equipping hour session and found a book that fit perfectly—the author and title sounded right. He asked where to buy it, and the AI admitted it made it up. That happens all the time: the model just predicts the next most probable thing, even if it’s false. Hallucinations happen because it’s a probability machine, not a truth machine. This probably won’t be a problem forever, but for now it’s very real. Ask it questions about topics you know something about so you can discern when it’s off, or bake into the prompt, “verify with web search, cite at least two sources.” For Bible/theology, your best bet is to read your Bible daily so you have discernment; then use tools to help, not replace, your direct interaction with God’s Word. There’s a wide gap between knowing the biblical answer and having your heart changed by slow, prayerful reading of the text and the Spirit’s work. If we run to commentaries, YouTube sermons, pastors, or even study notes before we’ve observed and meditated, we’re shortcutting the Word of God. The dangers predate the internet. We’re out of time. We’ll have a follow-up teaching on AI. Submit questions to any elders or the church office if you want your question addressed in the next session. The post Equipping Hour: Biblically Thinking About AI (Part 1) appeared first on Grace Bible Church.

A Prayer for Our Children to be Bold by April Graney How can we encourage our kids to stand boldly against the culture of today? In today's episode by April Graney, we look at the remarkable story of King Josiah, who became king at just eight years old and yet “did what was right in the Lord’s sight.” His wholehearted devotion to God, despite his evil family lineage, raises powerful questions about influence, courage, and the seeds of faith planted in childhood. Reference: 2 Kings 22: 1-2 Prayer: Heavenly Father, give my children the courage to follow you with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. Help them to rise up and boldly take a stand against evil in their midst while pointing the others to your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, amen. LINKS: How to Pray God's Word For Your Children Guide Connect with April Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer for Growth to be a Good Friend In today's episode, Monica Swanson shares practical wisdom for parents on how to harness the power of good influences to help children grow in character and faith. From the friends they spend time with to the media they consume, every influence matters. While we can’t control every outside factor, we can teach and model what it looks like to choose wisely and prayerfully. Reference: Proverbs 13:20 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that you would bring good and godly friends and influences into my child's life and protect him or her from ungodly influences. In 1 Corinthians 1533, we are reminded the bad company corrupts good character. From friendships to choices about entertainment, music, internet, and social media, I pray that my child would be attracted to good, wholesome, and helpful influences. Finally, I pray that my child would grow to be a good friend and godly influence in others' lives. Let him or her shine your light in such a way that others may see his or her good deeds and glorify their Father in heaven. That's from Matthew 5:16. In Jesus' name, amen. LINKS: How to Pray God's Word For Your Children Guide Connect with Monica Swanson Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope September 17, 2025   Scripture - Luke 20:1-19   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Provider, Sustainer, Thank you for being the God who creates, cares, loves, and saves.  All we have is from you.  As we talk about today's text, give us a fresh revelation; help us see your Word in a new way. Lord, thank you most of all for Jesus.  Thank you for his sacrifice.  Thank you for showing us a different way of doing life.  Help us actually live the way you taught us.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we begin a deep dive into Luke 20.   We start today's text with the Pharisees asking Jesus by what authority he speaks and teaches.  Keep in mind, this was right after Jesus cleanses the Temple and the Pharisees are a bit annoyed.  In Jewish culture, authority was based on lineage and education.  Jesus' authority was divine and so these earthly leaders are feeling incredibly threatened.  They are more concerned with losing their own power and authority than anything else at this point, or so it seems.    I do love how Jesus so often answers a question with a question, as he does in this text.  He asks the men where the authority of John of Baptist came from.  They were in a bind and knew that whatever they answered, it would get them into trouble.  So, because they said they didn't know, Jesus told them he had no need to say from where his authority came from either.   We move from there to the parable of the tenants.  This is a hard parable with violence involved in every aspect of it.  A landowner, presumably a man of means, builds a vineyard and gets it set up with all the right equipment.  He has tenants plant the vines and run the farm for him, while he lives in another place.  When the harvest comes, the absent landowner sends a slave to collect his portion of the harvest or profits.  The slave is beaten up pretty badly by the tenant farmers and limps away.   You would think the landowner might do something different next time but he doesn't.  He sends another slave.  Actually, he sends a lot of different slaves to collect on his behalf.  Some are badly beaten while others are actually killed.  We get the impression this happens over many growing seasons.    The landowner decides he has one option left, his beloved son.  He feels assured that the tenants won't hurt him.  Did the son feel the same way?  Not sure.  But things don't go so well.  The tenants know this is the heir and they kill him too, throwing his body out to the wild animals.   The question that Jesus asks is what will the landowner do?  The answer is that he will come there himself, kill the tenants, and give the land to others (or possibly get new tenants.)  What in the world is meant by all of this?  There are several possible things to think about here and none of them are pleasant.   First, throughout the Bible, the concept of the vineyard is associated with the people of Israel.  With that as a backdrop, could it be that God is the stubborn landowner, the slaves are prophets, and the son is Jesus?  That would make the tenant farmers the corrupt religious leaders.    Second, there are aspects to the parable that the first-century hearers would get that aren't necessarily evident to us.  It wasn't that unusual for the wealthy to obtain the land of those who were poor, possibly because of outstanding debts or because the impoverished are forced to sell land to feed their families.  Life was hard.    It also wasn't that unusual for landlords to live elsewhere and demand a large percentage of the harvest from those who are performing the labor.  The reaction of the parable will be different for different people, depending on where they fall on the social ladder in Israel.  There are those who will identify with the slaves.  There are those who will see the landowner as uncaring and reckless and possibly identify with the plight of the tenants.  There are those who will identify with the landowner and his son.  Every single reaction is unsettling.   One thing I do want to mention is that people have used this parable over the years in an antisemitic way, stating that it was the Jews who killed the son and it is the Jews who should then be killed by the landowner.  Jesus is not speaking of ethnicity or religion here, he is speaking about faithfulness.  The big issue in the parable is not the identity of the players but rather the failure of the tenants to respond faithfully to their obligations.  It's no secret that Christians over the centuries have also treated the cornerstone with disrespect, irreverence, and indignation, while Jews can (and many have) responded faithfully to God's revelation.   What do you make of this parable?  Why do you think Jesus told it?  What are your takeaways?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope September 12, 2025   Scripture - Luke 18:18-43   Prayer: Heavenly Father, We come before you today in awe of your Word. Thank you for speaking to us through Scripture.  Help us commit to being grounded in your truth.  Help us make learning more about you a priority.  We get so distracted!  The world comes at us from all sides.  Lord, in these next few moments of silence, help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we finish our deep dive into Luke 18.   Today's reading begins with people bringing their babies to Jesus.  The disciples rebuke them.  At the time, children really had very little value.  I know that is hard for us to understand because we value both human life and the innocence of children. But in the ancient world, children had the absolute lowest status.  Jews would have considered children a blessing but they were also needed to be part of the family workforce.  Young children worked full time and they worked hard.  There was nothing innocent or romantic about being a child in the first century.   Enter Jesus.  He had a totally different idea about the value of children.  He said the Kingdom of God belonged to those who are like the little children.  Basically, Jesus picks up a toddler and says, “You have to be like this little one.  You have to be willing to be nothing, to totally give up your status.  Why?  Because my Kingdom is not about raising up rulers of this world but its about giving dignity and life to the least of these.”  You see, over and over again Jesus is showing us that he is not interested in what the world values and sees in people.  Rather, he is actually interested in the people themselves.  They have value to Jesus.   We move from the children to the rich ruler.  A man comes to Jesus and asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus says, “Well you need to follow all the commandments.” And he lists them, you shall not murder, commit adultery, steal, give false testimony. You shall honor your father and mother.   The man simply says, “Yes, I've done all those things since I was a boy.”  Jesus looks at him and says there is still one thing you lack. Yes, you follow all the laws, but there is still something you lack. It was assumed that if one followed the law perfectly (we know that's impossible but if one did a good job following the law) then they would receive eternal life. Jesus is saying, that is not the case.   Jesus isn't denying that this man is following the law, he isn't disputing that. This is obviously a man of high integrity who is clearly doing all he can to be obedient to God's laws. “One thing you lack,” Jesus said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The text says that the man's face fell. He went away sad because he had great wealth. This is the irony. The children in the former story who possess nothing are told that the kingdom of God is theirs; yet this man who possesses everything still lacks something! Only when he sells all he has—only when he becomes like a vulnerable child—will he possess everything. But he isn't willing to do that. He decides to walk away from Jesus. The man wasn't expecting to have to make that kind of sacrifice. He had no idea following Jesus would be so hard.   This is confusing.  Jesus talks about the sacrifices needed to enter the Kingdom.  Jesus tells the disciples, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Most of us should feel at least slightly uncomfortable when we read this passage. Don't dismiss that feeling, rest in it a bit before you move on. The reality is that we are all wealthy in comparison to the rest of the world. Jesus isn't saying that having possessions is a bad thing. Allowing our stuff, our resources, to get in the way of our relationship with Jesus is a bad thing though.    What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? I think we have so often fallen into the trap of thinking that following Jesus, being a disciple, is about following a list of rules: following commandments, generally being a good person, going to church, giving some money to good causes, and doing good “Christian” things. But here Jesus is saying that being a disciple is not about following a list of rules. If that were the case, then the rich young ruler would have been a shoo-in. Jesus is saying, following him is about denying yourself and picking up your cross. And we don't like to deny ourselves. We don't like to be uncomfortable. It means looking at your life and renouncing any part of it that gets in the way of your walk with Jesus.   We go from here to Jesus proclaiming his death for the third time.  He basically spells it out for them, but the disciples do not understand.  Things will be clear in due course.   The chapter closes with Jesus healing a blind beggar on the road to Jericho.  The man knows that Jesus is passing by and he calls out to him.  Jesus asks the man, “What do you want me to do for you?”  The man says he wants to see and Jesus immediately restores his sight.    So this is how I want to end today.  I want you to picture Jesus walking by you.  Maybe you are at home, maybe you are at work, or the gym, whatever makes sense in your case.  Anyway, Jesus asks you, “What do you want me to do for you?”    Think about it.  What do you most need from Jesus right now?  Spend some time in prayer and just ask him to intervene in your life in a powerful way.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki        

Daily Dose of Hope September 8, 2025   Scripture - Luke 16:19-31   Prayer: Heavenly Father, We come to you today rejoicing in your holy name.  You are such a good God.  It's so hard for us to conceive that the God who put the stars in the sky and put the planets into motion is the same God who loves us and has numbered the hairs on our heads.  We thank you so much for your love and care.  Open our minds and hearts as we approach your Word today.  Help us hear a word from you.  How we yearn to hear from you, Lord.  We need you.  Over and over again, we need you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts and today we are deep diving into the second half of Luke 16.  Let's get to it.   Today's text is not an easy one – the parable of destitute Lazarus and the rich man.  It follows a series of parables – the lost coin, the lost son, and the shrewd manager - which deal with some aspect of money and how money affects our relationship with God and other people.  Today's parable focuses on how wealth comes great responsibility.    A brief review: Lazarus is impoverished with sores all over his body.  He lays at the rich man's gate but never receives anything from the rich man.  The only mercy shown to him is by the dogs who lick his wounds.  Both men die.  Lazarus ascends to Abraham's table, which we can assume is heaven, where he is cared for and finally eats well.  The rich man is doomed to spend eternity in Hades, where he will be in eternal torment.  The rich were not normally tortured while living; they lived well, ate well, dressed well, and had a comfortable roof over their head. In life, it was the poor and enslaved who suffered torture.  In fact, the legal testimony of an enslaved man was only received and considered truthful under torture.    The rich man gets a glimpse of Abraham in heaven and begs for mercy, the mercy that he denied Lazarus and Abraham refuses.  And when the rich man asks Abraham to warn his family so their fate wouldn't be the same as his, he refuses as well.  According to Father Abraham, they should know the right way to live simply by listening to the prophets.    There are many different directions we could go with this parable.  A lot of people want to understand what is meant by rich and poor in this story.  How rich is considered rich?  Are we rich? Compared to Lazarus who has nothing, we are all rich.  And the reality is that there are many with nothing in our world.  They may not sit by our personal gates, but they exist.  They are real human beings.  The parable implies that the rich man should have done something different to avoid his fate.  He should have helped.  He should have offered the man something.  There is plenty of room for imagining what a faithful response would have been for this man.   Regardless of whether we fall into the rich or poor category, we need to remember to keep Lazarus at the center.  This rich man saw Lazarus every single day.  He was laying outside his gate.  But he never saw him until it was much too late.  Who represents Lazarus in our life?  Do we see them?  Do we really see them?   The danger here is not really in our wealth, but in becoming complacent, self-righteous, or unloving in our wealth.  All we have is a gift from God.  But our resources can become a huge snare for us if we fail to remember where our gifts come from.  And the one who has blessed us with the resources has an expectation for how we use them.    This reminds me of Jesus' visit to Zaccheaus, the wee little man who was also a rich tax collector.  In Jesus' discussions, Zaccheaus is convicted and decides to give away half his possessions to the poor and to make restitution to the people for whom he took advantage. Salvation came to Zacchaeus while he was still alive and he shows himself to be a son of Abraham.    Jesus came to call people to repentance.  “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near,” was one of the earliest parts of his message.  Repentance is always possible during one's lifetime.  To those who earnestly repent, there is hope.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

The Best Question Ever #RTTBROS #Nightlight The Best Question Ever"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10The other day on our ride to church, my son asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks. "Dad," he said, "when you get to heaven, what's the first question you're going to ask God?"Now, I've been asked a lot of questions over the years, but this one had me reaching for the brakes on my thoughts. I had to pause and really think about it. What would I want to know first when I finally stand before the throne of grace?But before I could even formulate an answer, my boy continued. "I know what mine would be," he said with the kind of certainty that only comes from a young heart seeking truth. "I'd ask God, 'What was my purpose?' So I could see if I lived up to what You had planned for me with the life I lived."Friends, I've heard some profound questions in my years of ministry, but I told him right then and there, "Son, that might just be the best question ever."You see, too many of us spend our lives like a duck on a pond, calm on top but paddling furiously underneath, wondering if what we're doing really matters. We get so caught up in the daily grind, the bills that need paying, the responsibilities that keep piling up, that we forget to ask the most important question of all: Am I living the purpose God designed for me?Paul tells us in Ephesians that we are God's workmanship. The word there in the original language is "poiema," which means a work of art, a masterpiece. You're not some mass-produced widget rolling off heaven's assembly line. You are a carefully crafted, one-of-a-kind creation with a specific purpose that God ordained before you took your first breath.Now, I don't think we have to wait until we get to heaven to know our purpose. God's given us His Word, His Spirit, and the gift of prayer to help us discover why He placed us here. But here's what struck me about my son's question, it wasn't just about knowing his purpose, it was about whether he had lived into it.That's the difference between head knowledge and heart application. It's one thing to know God has a plan for your life. It's quite another to surrender to that plan and walk faithfully in it, even when the path gets rocky and the destination seems unclear.As I've gotten older and hopefully a little wiser (too soon old and too late smart, as they say), I've learned that God's purpose for us isn't always some grand, earth-shaking calling. Sometimes it's as simple as being faithful in the small things, showing kindness to a stranger, or raising children who love the Lord. History is just His story, and each of us gets to play our part in His grand narrative.So here's my encouragement for you today: don't wait until you're standing before God to ask about your purpose. Ask Him now. Seek Him in His Word. Listen for His voice in prayer. And then, with whatever understanding He gives you, live boldly into that calling.Because when we finally do stand before Him, the question won't be whether we had the perfect plan figured out. It'll be whether we trusted Him enough to walk faithfully in the purpose He gave us, one day at a time.Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to seek Your purpose for my life and give me the courage to live faithfully in whatever calling You place before me. May my life be a reflection of Your workmanship, and may I hear You say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." In Jesus' name, Amen.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Prayer:Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I come before Your throne of grace in humility and repentance. I confess and renounce every sin of sexual perversion in my life and in my bloodline — past, present, and hidden — known or unknown. I acknowledge that these sins are an abomination before You, and I plead the blood of Jesus over my spirit, soul, and body. Lord, cleanse me from all unrighteousness, purify my heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. I choose to walk in holiness, purity, and truth from this day forward.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/apostolic-deliverance-teaching--1288300/support.

Daily Dose of Hope August 11, 2025   Scripture – Luke 6:1-36   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come to you today praising your holy name.  You are a good God!  Thank you for caring for us, for walking alongside us, but  most of all thank you for Jesus, who died our death, so that we can walk hand in hand with you.  Help us live like resurrection people in the way of Jesus.  We don't want to get stuck in our religion.  We want to live transformed lives in Jesus.  How we need you, Lord.  We are stubborn people.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we begin Luke 6.  Our reading today contains a lot of substance and I'll do my best to do it justice.   We begin with Jesus' disciples plucking off heads of grain on the Sabbath and then Jesus healing on the Sabbath.  Both of these things infuriate the Pharisees who have made the Sabbath incredibly complex for the people.  They instituted an extremely complicated system of Sabbath laws of their own that was oppressive and legalistic. There were strict laws regarding how to observe the Sabbath, which included 39 categories of forbidden activities. This went far beyond what was required in the Torah.  For example, they weren't allowed to swat a fly (it was considered hunting), nor were they allowed to look in a mirror because they might be tempted to primp.  Basically, these religious leaders, with their own lists of rules, had made themselves lords of the Sabbath, thus making themselves lords over the people.    Jesus was pushing back against this.  He speaks about how David and his men ate consecrated bread from the Temple when they were hungry, even though it was off-limits.  There are times when rules make sense and there are times when they don't.  People are always more important than rules.  The original intent of the Sabbath was to give humans rest, not to create a heavy burden.  The Pharisees had lost sight of this.    Jesus then states that he is Lord of the Sabbath.  This really gets the Pharisees worked up.  By saying this, he is declaring that he has authority over the Sabbath.  Jesus can overrule the Pharisees' rules and regulations because he is the one who created the Sabbath in the first place.  He has the power to correctly interpret the meaning of the Sabbath and the rules pertaining to it.  Let's be clear, Jesus is making a bold statement about who he is.    Do you get distracted by our own rules and traditions?  And do those rules and traditions get in the way of doing the work of Jesus?    The next portion of today's reading has Jesus choosing the twelve disciples.  Notice how he spends all night in prayer.  The fact that God the Son spends all night in prayer with God the Father is something to which we should pay attention.  If Jesus needed time away to pray to God, how much more do we who are made in God's image but do not share His essence?   The last section of today's reading includes the blessings and woes and love for enemies.  This teaching block is known as Jesus' Sermon on the Plain.  While it has similar elements to Matthew's Sermon on the Mount, it also is very different.  Matthew is clearly writing to Jews, while Luke's audience is mainly Gentiles.  It's for that reason that Luke doesn't worry about including references to Old Testament equivalents.   Luke is making a point about how God is in the business of turning human realities upside down.  The poor are blessed by God and the rich have already had their blessing.  The hungry will be satisfied but those who are full now will hunger later.  These beatitudes and woes are examples of a pattern we see in Luke --- God is at work in Jesus, turning worldly values upside down and challenging perceptions.  The mighty are cast down and the lowly are lifted up.   Thus, when Jesus then says to love your enemies, please know this audience would be shocked.  In the Gentile world, people did not love enemies.  It would have been a sign of weakness.  And yet, Jesus is turning things upside down, establishing a new standard of compassion that crosses religious, political, and cultural lines.    Notice this wasn't a suggestion.  It wasn't something that Jesus says to do every now and then or when it's convenient.  It's a command.  Interestingly, we find it hard to love good friends and family members.  It can be tough to love ourselves.  But Jesus is showing us all a different way.  Mercy for the those who are unmerciful, forgiveness for the unforgiveable, love for the unlovable – this is the way that God has chosen to transform people.  I recently read that we are the delivery system for God's healing power.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Tight Spots #RTTBROS #Nightlight From Tight Spots to Wide Places: God's Gift of Freedom "And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room." Psalm 31:8 (KJV)Have you ever felt trapped? Perhaps by circumstances beyond your control, by the weight of poor decisions, or by enemies who seemed determined to corner you? David knew this feeling intimately. As he penned these words, he reflected on God's faithful deliverance from situations that felt suffocating and hopeless.The phrase "shut me up into the hand of the enemy" paints a vivid picture of confinement. It's the image of being handed over, surrendered to those who wish us harm. Yet David declares that God has done the opposite, He has refused to abandon His people to their adversaries.But notice the beautiful contrast David presents. Not only has God kept him from enemy hands, but He has "set my feet in a large room." The Hebrew word here suggests a broad, spacious place - somewhere with room to breathe, move, and flourish. God doesn't just rescue us from tight spots; He brings us into places of freedom and possibility.This divine pattern of deliverance appears throughout Scripture. When the Israelites were trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea, God didn't merely provide escape - He opened a pathway through the waters and brought them into the wilderness toward the Promised Land. When Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, God didn't just protect him from the beasts - He elevated him to even greater prominence in the kingdom.Perhaps you find yourself in a "tight spot" today. Maybe it's financial pressure, relationship conflict, health concerns, or spiritual dryness. Remember that our God specializes in making ways where there seem to be none. He takes delight in setting captives free and giving them room to thrive.The "large room" God provides isn't always a change in circumstances, though it often is. Sometimes it's an expansion of our faith, a broadening of our perspective, or a deepening of our trust in His goodness. When we can't see the way out, He sees the way through.Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not abandon Your children to their enemies. When we feel trapped and overwhelmed, remind us that You are the God who sets feet in large rooms. Help us to trust in Your deliverance, even when the pathway isn't yet clear. Give us faith to believe that what feels confined today can become spacious tomorrow in Your perfect timing. In Jesus' name, Amen.Reflection Questions:- What "tight spots" in your life need God's intervention today?- How has God provided you with "large rooms" in the past?- What would it look like to trust God's deliverance even while still in difficult circumstances?Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Yours In Christ #RTTBROS #Nightlight Yours in Christ: The Sacred Art of Connection"Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." 2 John 1:3During my monthly visits to our church's shut-ins, I had the privilege of witnessing something beautiful that has become increasingly rare in our digital age. As I arrived at one dear sister's home with my usual offering of cookies and devotional materials, I found her just finishing an old-fashioned letter written by hand on paper. Her eyes sparkled as she told me about reconnecting with a childhood friend from their church days together, someone who had recently visited and rekindled their precious friendship.We sat together and talked about how letter writing has become a lost art. In our world of instant messages, emails, and texts, we've gained speed but perhaps lost something deeper. She showed me her letter, and there at the bottom, written in her careful script, were the words "Yours in Christ."Those three simple words stirred something in my heart. "Yours in Christ," what a profound declaration of connection, not just between two people, but rooted in something eternal. When our grandparents and great-grandparents closed their letters with "Sincerely yours," "Faithfully yours," or "Yours in Christ," they weren't just following social convention. They were acknowledging a sacred bond.In our rush toward digital efficiency, we've replaced these meaningful closings with quick signatures or simple names. But what have we lost in translation? When someone writes "Yours in Christ," they're saying something powerful: "I belong to Christ, and in Him, I belong to you too. Our connection runs deeper than mere friendship, it's rooted in the eternal."The apostle John understood this sacred connection. His letters overflow with expressions of love, grace, and peace that flow from our shared relationship with the Father and His Son. John didn't just sign his name and move on; he reminded his readers of the spiritual bonds that tied them together in truth and love.As I prayed with this precious sister that day, I was reminded that every encounter we have with fellow believers is an opportunity to say, in word and deed, "Yours in Christ." Whether we're dropping off cookies, making a phone call, or sending a text message, we can infuse our connections with the understanding that we belong to each other because we first belong to Him.Perhaps it's time to revive this lost art, not necessarily the handwritten letters (though what a gift that would be!), but the heart behind those sacred closings. In a world that often feels disconnected and hurried, what if we approached each interaction with the spirit of "Yours in Christ"? What if we remembered that our relationships with fellow believers are not casual acquaintances but eternal connections forged by the love of our Savior?The next time you end a conversation, send a message, or say goodbye to a brother or sister in faith, remember that you are theirs in Christ, and they are yours in Him. This bond transcends time, distance, and even death itself.Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious connections You've given us through Your Son. Help us to remember that our relationships with fellow believers are sacred bonds that reflect Your love. May we treat each interaction as holy ground, knowing that we are Yours, and in You, we belong to one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Beyond Trouble #RTTBROS #Nightlight Beyond Today's Troubles"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." - Jeremiah 29:11"God's plans for your life far exceed the circumstances of your day."When we find ourselves overwhelmed by the weight of today's challenges, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. The bills on your kitchen table, the tension in your relationships, the uncertainty at work, or the health concerns that keep you awake at night can feel all-consuming. In these moments, our vision becomes narrow, focused only on what we can see right in front of us.But God's perspective is infinitely different from ours. While we see today's struggles, He sees the masterpiece He's creating through every season of our lives. The very circumstances that feel like obstacles may actually be the tools He's using to shape us, strengthen us, and prepare us for the good works He has planned.Consider Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery. In that moment, his circumstances seemed hopeless. Yet God was orchestrating events that would eventually place Joseph in a position to save nations from famine. What appeared to be a devastating setback was actually a divine setup.The same God who worked through Joseph's difficulties is working through yours. Your current chapter is not your final story. The financial pressure you're facing doesn't define your future provision. The broken relationship doesn't determine your capacity for love. The closed door doesn't mean there isn't a better one waiting to open.God's plans for you are not merely about getting you through today, though He will. They're about transforming you into who He created you to be and positioning you for purposes you haven't even imagined yet. His thoughts toward you are thoughts of peace, hope, and a future filled with meaning.Today, when the circumstances feel heavy, remember that they are temporary, but God's plans for you are eternal. Look beyond what you can see with your eyes and trust what He has promised with His word. Your best days are not behind you – they're ahead of you, woven into the perfect plan of a God who loves you more than you can comprehend.Prayer: Heavenly Father, when I can only see today's troubles, help me to trust in Your eternal perspective. Remind me that You are working all things together for my good and Your glory. Give me faith to believe that Your plans for my life far exceed anything I can see or imagine today. In Jesus' name, Amen.Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Daily Dose of Hope June 9, 2025   Scripture - Matthew 9:18-38   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come to you today in awe.  You are almighty and wise but also filled with love and mercy.  And we have the pleasure of experiencing that love and mercy.  Despite our brokenness, you care for us and you continue to walk alongside us.  Thank you, Lord, for your patience.  Help us to focus more on you.  Fill us with a consuming desire to know you better.  Work in us.  Stretch us.  Challenge us.  Convict us.  We love you.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that complements the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts and today, we are finishing up Matthew, chapter 9.   The last portion of Matthew 9 includes some amazing healings.  Remember, in God's Kingdom there is no sickness so Jesus healed people physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  The first one in today's text is the healing of the bleeding woman.  This story was also found in Mark.  This is probably my favorite miracle (if we are allowed to have a favorite.) I can't help but think about this woman's difficult life. To be bleeding in Jewish culture meant she was unclean. She couldn't go to the synagogue, nor was she really supposed to be around people. If she had been married, her husband would have long left her because of her condition. She would have lived a very isolated, lonely life, not to mention being poor and physically weak.   And then Jesus comes along. She must have heard about him. She knows where he will be passing and she takes a chance. She wasn't supposed to even be in the crowd because she was unclean. But something within her knows that this man could change things. Her faith is beyond what Jesus has seen in the religious people or those in high positions. In a crowd of people who see themselves as righteous and important, Jesus elevates this humble woman above all the others. She is no longer ostracized but healed, whole, and part of Jesus' family. That word “daughter” would have been so healing for her. Condemned by the rest of society, Jesus empowers this woman and calls her his own.   But Jesus met this woman on his way to a synagogue leader's home.  The synagogue leader had come to Jesus in desperation because his little girl had just died.  Two things are notable to me here.  First, this had to have been humbling because a synagogue leader would not have normally resorted to asking Jesus, a rogue Jewish rabbi, for help. But, if you are a parent, you know that you will do just about anything to help your child.  We are seeing this here.  The other thing that is amazing is that this man seems to have real faith. He says if Jesus will just come and lay his hand on her, then she will live.  She wasn't just sick.  She was dead, but this man believed that Jesus could fix that.  And he does.   It's on the same journey that day that Jesus heals two blind men and a demon-possessed man who was mute because of the demon.  The Pharisees say that Jesus is healing through the power of the Prince of Demons.  Why their resistance to belief?  Jesus doesn't look, talk, or behave as they think a Messiah should.  He challenges their fundamental beliefs.  If we are honest, Jesus challenges some of our fundamental beliefs.  The question is always:  will we choose to believe or will we reject?  The Pharisees rejected but what about you?   Jesus spent a great deal of time going from town to town, teaching, healing, and demonstrating to people what life under the Kingdom of God is like. The last portion of today's Scripture says that Jesus saw the people and he felt compassion for them because they were sheep without a shepherd. Think about sheep–they are totally vulnerable without a shepherd to care for them, guide them, and provide protection. Goats, who we often think of as similar to sheep, tend to do fine on their own. But sheep, not so much. They are helpless and vulnerable to predators. Jesus is saying that he looked at the people and realized how vulnerable and defenseless they were. They needed guidance and divine protection. Without it, they were doomed. Friends, without Jesus, we are all doomed.   The text closes with the very famous Scripture about the harvest. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few so ask the Lord of the harvest to send more workers. Of course, Jesus is speaking about the people harvest. There are so very many people who need to know about Jesus Christ. They need the guidance of the divine shepherd and they don't even know it. Someone must tell them. Jesus is counting on his followers to do the work of sharing the Gospel. And yet, how often it feels like there just aren't enough people willing to go and share, go and tell, go and proclaim, go and harvest. We need more workers. This really got me thinking. Are you one of God's workers? Are you willing to help with the harvest? Why or why not?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Magnificent Obsession #RTTBROS #Nightlight Never Without Christ: The Soul of Every Prayer and Sermon"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14 (KJV)The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once declared with passionate conviction:"See to it then, beloved, that you never pray a prayer which is not sweetened with Christ. I would never preach a sermon—the Lord forgive me if I do—which is not full to overflowing with my Master. I know one who said I was always on the old string and he would come and hear me no more; but if I preached a sermon without Christ in it, he would come. Ah, he will never come while this tongue moves, for a sermon without Christ in it—a Christless sermon! A brook without water; a cloud without rain; a well which mocks the traveller; a tree twice dead, plucked up by the root; a sky without a sun; a night without a star. It is a realm of death—a place of mourning for angels and laughter for devils."What vivid imagery Spurgeon paints of a message devoid of Christ! Like a brook that offers no refreshment to the thirsty soul, or a cloud heavy with promise but yielding no life-giving rain, our words become empty shells when stripped of the Savior's presence.Consider how Christ Himself is woven into the very fabric of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, every page whispers His name. The sacrificial lamb speaks of Him. The bronze serpent lifted in the wilderness points to Him. The temple veil torn in two proclaims His finished work. Even in the genealogies and seemingly mundane passages, careful study reveals shadows and types of our blessed Redeemer.If the inspired Word cannot be properly understood apart from Christ, how much more should our prayers and proclamations be saturated with His presence? When we pray, we come not in our own merit but through His precious blood. When we speak of spiritual matters, we dare not offer stones for bread or serpents for fish to hungry souls.The apostle Paul understood this truth deeply. In his letter to the Corinthians, he wrote, "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). This was not intellectual limitation but spiritual wisdom. Paul recognized that Christ is not merely a topic among many—He is the golden thread that gives meaning to all other truths.Today, let us examine our own hearts. Are our prayers enriched with gratitude for His sacrifice? Do our conversations naturally turn toward His goodness? When we have opportunity to encourage others, do we point them to the One who is the source of all comfort?A prayer without Christ becomes mere wishful thinking. A message without Christ becomes hollow philosophy. But when our Savior fills our words, they become vessels of grace, instruments of hope, and channels of divine love.May we never be guilty of offering a well without water to thirsty souls. Instead, let us ensure that every word we speak and every prayer we offer overflows with the sweetness of our precious Lord Jesus Christ.Prayer:Heavenly Father, forgive us when our prayers have been self-centered and our words have lacked the sweetness of Christ. Help us to be so filled with Your Son that He naturally flows from our lips in every conversation and petition. May we never offer empty cisterns to thirsty souls, but always point to the Living Water. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Daily Dose of Hope May 16, 2025 Day 5 of Week 7   Scripture – Mark 16:9-20   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come before you today in awe of your Word. Thank you for speaking to us through Scripture.  Help us commit to being grounded in your truth.  Help us make learning more about you a priority.  We get so distracted!  The world comes at us from all sides.  Lord, in these next few moments of silence, help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we finish the book of Mark.  Keep in mind that the text we read today was added on much later than the original Gospel text.  As we talked about yesterday, some of the church fathers weren't thrilled with Mark's abrupt ending and added some additional verses to make things have a nice neat resolution.  Of course, real life doesn't have nice neat resolutions.  Neither does Scripture because it's very, very real.   The text for today has Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene and then the disciples.  We can see that the author of these verses took text from other Gospels to write this.  He is essentially filling things in – a visit to Mary Magdalene, a visit to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and then a visit to the eleven.   There are quite a few issues with this text.  First, it says that Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of belief.  If we look at Luke 24, we find that Jesus appears to the disciples but does so with grace.  He shows them his scars, he ate with them, and he opened their minds so that they could understand Scripture.  But in this Mark text, Jesus seems almost angry with the disciples “stubborn” refusal to believe.  This is our first red flag.   And then things really get weird.  We begin to read about theological concepts that are unusual for Mark.  There seems to be a requirement of baptism for salvation – this isn't found anywhere else in the Bible.  Then, there is this statement about the ability to handle snakes and drink deadly poison; if done in the name of Jesus, then they won't be harmed.  Okay, that is terrible theology.  No where else the Bible does it tell believers that they are exempt from poison and dangerous snakes.  What's a bit crazy about this is that whole traditions have been created where snakes are handled in church – from one verse in a portion of text that was added well after the original Gospel was written.  The justification for snake-handling is that it is supposed to be a demonstration of faith.  Y'all, good Biblical interpretation is SO critical!   The last portion of the text is pretty straightforward and consistent with other Gospels.  Jesus ascends to heaven and sits at God's right hand.  He empowers the disciples to perform signs in his name.    Let's talk a little about solid Biblical interpretation.  The Bible is God's Word, it's authoritative.  It provides a framework for our life and whole worldview.  At the same time, it needs interpretation.  We can't simply pluck out a verse and drop it into our lives without looking at the author's intent, the context, and the original audience.  Plus, we have to recognize that we, as 21st century believers, bring a lot of our own presuppositions to the Scripture.  Whether we realize it or not, we bring our own learned ideas and cultural norms to the text when we read.    The Bible is the primary way that God has chosen to reveal himself to us.  I like to call it the inexhaustible word of God.  It's critical.  Hebrews 4:12 states, For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. The miracle of Scripture is that we can read it over and over again and God can keep teaching us, keep revealing new things to us.  Jesus is revealed to us on the pages of Scripture.   Reading the Bible regularly is the number one way we grow in our faith.  Why is that? It's not simply a book; rather, it's a unique collection of ancient documents, diverse in style and written for different purposes, but all revealing some piece about the nature of God. The more we read, the more we consume of God's Word, the more things begin to fall into place for us.  The fascinating thing about the Bible is that it arose in vastly difference historical settings, written to different audiences, over thousands of years.  Yet, it tells one continuous story.  It's absolutely amazing.  But a serious reading and understanding of the Bible requires wrestling with the context, the purpose of the text, the symbols, and the historical and literary setting. But it also means relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide our study and to make the Scripture come alive for us today.   In the case of Mark, we need to look at today's text as interesting but not authoritative.  These verses weren't in the oldest texts.  It appears that new concepts were added, things that don't seem to add up.  They simply don't sound like Mark.  While we need to read this and understand it, it isn't something I would ever preach from the pulpit.  Basically, we need to be careful here.  There won't be any snake-handling at New Hope if any of you were worried.    Psalm 119:105-106, Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it,  that I will follow your righteous laws.   We'll chat again on Monday.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

“On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Eleven Pipers Piping ..." symbolizing the eleven faithful apostles: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Phillip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas son of James. The list does not include Judas Iscariot, the twelfth disciple who betrayed Jesus. Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Son Jesus called the twelve to His side, called them to leave their homes and families, just as Jesus left his to teach us to live worthily. As we are called this holy season to help the poor and needy, the weak, the inflicted and the abandoned help us to walk perseveringly in the difficult and sometimes painful paths of service to others.  Amen.  The post The Eleventh Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Ten Lords A Leaping ..." the lords or rulers of our lives establish the law. The lords stand for the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai, which are holy and good, by which we should live and by which we are all judged. (Gal 3:10-28) Prayer: Heavenly Father we strive to live by your commandments, help us oh Lord. We pray for those who have been called to rule, give them good judgment, discernment, and humbleness. Lord, help us to honor those who have been called to lead and pray for them and their families. Amen. The post The Tenth Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

“On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Six Geese A Laying ..." symbolizing the six days of the creation. Eggs are also a  universal symbol of new life. Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are reminded this day that there is holiness in the ordinary. There is holiness in the birth of a new child, in the creation of life, and in the ordinary task of raising those children. We are blessed to all be Your children, brothers, and sisters in Christ. Help us to bear our unique responsibility to bring forth into the world the gifts we have received. Lord, let us see the holiness every day in the face of children. Amen. The post The Sixth Day of Christmas – A Prayerful Meditation on the Twelve Days of Christmas – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.